A former Norway international who made his name at Liverpool FC has declared that his country are genuine contenders to lift the World Cup trophy — a feat the Scandinavian nation has never before achieved.

The ex-Liverpool hero expressed his belief ahead of Norway's match against England, admitting he would be seated among the football legends in attendance but would be making his allegiances crystal clear by joining in the Viking clap with fellow Norway supporters.

Far from simply hoping for a positive result, the former star went further, stating he expects Norway to give England a serious contest and predicting his country can go all the way in the tournament.

A nation dreaming big

Norway have historically been a modest force on the international stage, and a World Cup victory would represent the most dramatic elevation in the country's footballing history. Yet this former Liverpool man sees no reason why that ambition should be tempered.

His confidence reflects a broader shift in Norwegian football, driven in no small part by the emergence of elite-level talent capable of competing with the best sides in the world. The belief within the camp, it seems, is growing.

As Norway prepare to face England, the former international's message is unambiguous — this is a team ready to be taken seriously, and he has no intention of sitting quietly among the legends when the Viking roar echoes around the stadium.