Erling Haaland has intensified the psychological warfare ahead of the World Cup quarter-final, asserting that England bears the weight of expectation when they face Norway on Saturday.
The striker has had an outstanding tournament, netting seven goals in four matches, including two during Norway’s last-16 victory over Brazil. This marks Norway’s return to this stage since 1998, and Haaland, in his typically cheeky manner, emphasized that the pressure should rest solely on England.
When asked if the pressure is indeed on England, Haaland simply responded, “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.” When probed about Norway’s ability to leverage this pressure, he affirmed, “I think everyone should stay humble but they should be confident of progressing, definitely,” Last year, Haaland estimated Norway’s chances of winning the World Cup at a mere 0.5%, and he indicated that the odds have not significantly improved. “I didn’t expect this at all,” he remarked. “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.”
His remarks were delivered with a grin, as was his answer to whether English fans should “It’s a special game, definitely,” prior to the match. This statement harkens back to his well-known comment to Mikel Arteta following 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 stated.
During a lighthearted training session in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, Haaland expressed his fondness for Americans, describing them 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 serious nature of the upcoming match, admitting that the success achieved this summer has taken him by 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.” the 25-year-old shared. “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 while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played at Elland Road, highlighted the personal significance of the match. “It’s a special game, definitely,” he noted. “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.”
Norway is poised to make history, and while Haaland leads the charge, he remains committed to enjoying the occasion. “It’s 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 report no health issues ahead of their encounter with England, dispelling earlier rumors of a sickness bug within the squad.
