England’s quest to end 60 years of World Cup pain comes up against Norway’s scoring machine Erling Haaland in a Miami showdown for a place in the semi-finals on Saturday.
After overcoming high altitude and a fervent home crowd in Mexico City to progress to the last eight in an all-time World Cup classic, an England side boasting the in-form Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are favourites to reach the semis in south Florida.
However, the Three Lions’ defensive deficiencies will be severely tested on Friday by Haaland, who put Brazil to the sword in the last 16 and has seven goals in his first four World Cup appearances.
Haaland, who was born in England and plays his club football for Manchester City, insisted there was no pressure on his side.
“I think there’s some clear favourites out there, England’s one of them,” he told reporters.
“I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.”
In their first World Cup for 28 years, the nation of just over five million people have far exceeded expectations.
Even before setting off for the United States, a team photo of the squad dressed up as Vikings in front of longships went viral.
The theme has persisted with each victory celebrated by their fans performing a Viking row, from the stands of the United States to Times Square in New York, to the streets of Oslo.
Haaland was the man to beat the drum to conduct that row after his brilliant late double sent Brazil home. That made history as Norway reached the quarter-finals for the first time.
“Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil and then go and play England in the quarter-finals in the World Cup in the USA is quite special,” added Haaland.
“I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be, so it’s super special.”
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