Erling Haaland has intensified the World Cup mind games by asserting that England bears the burden of pressure in their upcoming quarter-final clash against Norway on Saturday.
The striker has had a remarkable tournament, netting seven goals in four matches, which includes a brace in Sunday’s last-16 victory over Brazil. Norway is making a splash in their first World Cup appearance since 1998, and in a typically playful tone, Haaland insisted that expectations should only be focused on the English side.
When asked if the pressure is solely on England, Haaland responded succinctly, “I think there are some clear favourites out there. England are one of them, so I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.” He further elaborated on whether Norway could exploit this situation, stating, “I think everyone should stay humble but they should be confident of progressing, definitely,” Last year, he had given Norway a mere 0.5% chance of clinching the World Cup, and despite their impressive form, he remarked that the odds remain slim. “I didn’t expect this at all,” he commented. “Even before the first game I didn’t expect it, and now I didn’t expect it. To be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup, it’s quite surprising even for me. “Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil, then go and play England in a quarter-final in the USA, is quite special. And I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be here.”
This remark was delivered with a grin. Haaland also addressed whether England fans should “It’s a special game, definitely,” ahead of the match, referencing his previous comments to Mikel Arteta after a draw between Manchester City and Arsenal in September 2024. “I think for me, it’s super special because I play in England and I’m born in England, and you also play against teammates and everything. So it’s a bit … not weird, but it’s a funny game and it’s going to be nice.” he noted.
During Norway’s training session in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, Haaland maintained a lighthearted demeanor, even expressing his fondness for Americans, whom he described as “It’s a key for my daily life to train well, focus well and prepare well, but you also need to enjoy the moment and that’s what we’ve been doing now,” However, he acknowledged the seriousness of the upcoming match, admitting that both personal and team successes this summer have come as a surprise. “And as we play in the World Cup we just have to enjoy it because nothing lasts forever, and we have to just enjoy while we’re here.” said the 25-year-old. “Even before the first game I didn’t expect it, and now I didn’t expect it. To be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup, it’s quite surprising even for me.”
“Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil, then go and play England in a quarter-final in the USA, is quite special. And I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be here.”
Haaland, who was born in Leeds during his father Alf-Inge Haaland’s tenure at Elland Road, emphasized the personal significance of the match. “It’s a special game, definitely,” he said. “I think for me, it’s super special because I play in England and I’m born in England, and you also play against teammates and everything. So it’s a bit … not weird, but it’s a funny game and it’s going to be nice.”
As Norway stands on the cusp of making further history, Haaland is eager to embrace the enjoyment of the occasion. “It’s a key for my daily life to train well, focus well and prepare well, but you also need to enjoy the moment and that’s what we’ve been doing now,” he explained. “And as we play in the World Cup we just have to enjoy it because nothing lasts forever, and we have to just enjoy while we’re here.”
Haaland and his teammates are in good health as they prepare to face England, with earlier reports of a sickness bug within the camp appearing to have been exaggerated.
