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'It's scary that Norway have to play England' - Couple share expectations

Noway Couple Inger Kalleklev, who is Norwegian, and her English husband James Drakeford

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 Source: bbc.com

As England and Norway prepare to battle for a place in the final four of the World Cup one Surrey couple will have conflicted loyalties when the game kicks off.

Inger Kalleklev, who is Norwegian, and her English husband James Drakeford moved to Farnham in Surrey a week ago from Norway.

The couple had been living in Bergen but have moved back to the UK to be closer to friends and family in the area.

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Inger told BBC Radio Surrey: "The move had nothing to do with the World Cup but this is what we hoped for in a way, even if it is scary that Norway have to play England."

The couple will watch the game with James' family and Inger said she would be draping herself in the Norwegian flag.

One of James' family is also half Norwegian, so Inger believes she will have a "little bit of support".

James said the match was a "dream come true as the country of Norway is going nuts".

James added he missed "the incredible fishing, nature and work-life balance" of Norway but didn't miss the weather, or the cuisine.

He added that he had been waiting for England to do well at a World Cup since he was five years old.

He predicted a 3-2 victory for the Three Lions but admitted he would be "super happy" for Norway if they win.

Inger believed that Norway would triumph 2-1.

The England v Norway match is due to kick off at 22:00 BST.

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Source: bbc.com