THE Sun bravely led the way for the Three Lions — by storming a Viking longboat used by Norway’s footballers for a fearsome promo shoot.
We flew our flag and proudly wore the team shirt in a nearby village as we learned local fighting techniques and tactics.
Sun man Ed Southgate flies the England flag after boarding the Viking longboat in Tonsberg harbour Credit: Chris Eades
Norway stars with the Viking ship – where stars, including Arsenal skipper Marting Odegaard wielded shields and weapons including spears, swords and bows Credit: Chris Eades
We then settled in to Oslo’s best English pub — named after Winston Churchill — and put up our St George’s Cross after bosses declared they would support in tomorrow’s vital .
The Sun went into action after the “Viking row” became a common sight in the US, with fans in stadiums and streets taking part.
Goal god often acts as leader, banging a drum to signal the others to row, increasing in speed with each stroke. The squad also echoed their Viking past before the tournament, posing in traditional armour in front of a longboat.
Stars including skipper wielded shields and weapons such as spears, swords and bows.
The Sun went into action after the ‘Viking row’ became a common sight in the US, with fans in stadiums and streets taking part Credit: Chris Eades
Erling Haaland in action for Norway at the World Cup Credit: Getty
The idea may have been to intimidate rivals, but The Sun struck back by claiming the boat for our own in a harbour in Tonsberg — Norway’s oldest city, founded by King Harald Fairhair around the year 871.
It even left crew member Sten Sjostrand, 58, questioning the fate of the game, admitting he feared the odds were “50/50”.
From there we marched to a Viking village, taking archery lessons and hitting a bullseye to inspire Thomas Tuchel’s troops.
Warrior Ane Marie Hoffa told us: “Spears were best for hunting. In war, it is dumb to throw away your weapon.
Ed invades the local pub and chats with friends Bente Irene, 71, who is ‘scared of the England team’, and Rebeka Eli, 66, who is sure Norway will ‘bring it home’ Credit: Getty
Ed plots tactics using a chessboard Viking fighters would use to relax Credit: Chris Eades
“In war it would be mostly swords and bow and arrows.”
With her warning that Norway would have England’s goal in their sights, we entered the feast hall — the beating heart of any true Viking village.
We sat proudly on the ruler’s chair, defiantly wearing our England shirt and bucket hat. We even studied possible formations the team might choose using a board their fighters would use to relax.
Cleaner Embla Sorvik said of the hall: “This is where Vikings would gather for big events.
Ed settled in to Oslo’s best English pub — named after Winston Churchill Credit: Getty
Ed takes aim ahead of the epic clash Credit: Chris Eades
“This is where they would watch the if they were here today.”
Asked about the battle ahead, she said: “I’m not scared of any of the English players. Not , or anyone. England’s players should be scared of .”
As her war cry rang in our ears, we took our England gear to Sir Winston’s Public House in capital Oslo — even persuading Norwegian punters to wear our patriotic Sun bucket hats.
Despite the Union Jacks and portraits of our wartime PM, bosses had written online after Norway beat in the round of 16: “What a game, and what a team! Of course we’ll show the game on Saturday!
“But we don’t take reservations. so come early to secure your spot! Let’s cheer for Norway together.”
Man City star Haaland scored in the 79th and 90th minute for a 2-1 victory.
Some fans were confident — but others admitted they feared the likes of Bellingham.
Rebeka Eli, 66, said: “We will be supporting Norway of course. It will be fun to watch. Everyone is going crazy.”
Friend Bente Irene, 71, added: “I am scared of the England team. Not for , but Jude Bellingham. He has been very good.”
Rebeka told her: “Yeah but we have Haaland and he is the best. We will bring it home.”
She went on: “English are always the favourite. It’s the best thing about England — the pubs, and the people. But the pubs should all support Norway.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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