Erling Haaland Turns Up Pressure On England Ahead Of Norway World Cup Quarter-Final

Erling Haaland has tried to turn the focus onto England ahead of Norway's FIFA World Cup quarter-final, insisting Thomas Tuchel's side are the team under the most pressure as the two nations prepare to meet in Miami on Saturday.

The Manchester City striker has been one of the stars of the tournament, scoring seven goals in four matches, including a decisive brace in Norway's stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil that secured the country's first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance.

Despite Norway's remarkable run, Haaland smiled as he urged the media to pile the pressure onto England instead.

When asked whether the expectation rests entirely on England, Haaland replied simply: "Yeah."

When pressed on whether Norway could use that to their advantage, he answered: "Yeah, definitely."

The 25-year-old also revisited comments he made last year when he gave Norway just a 0.5 per cent chance of winning the World Cup. Even after eliminating five-time champions Brazil, Haaland suggested little had changed in his expectations.

"Really low still," he said. "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."

The remark, delivered with a grin, reflected the relaxed confidence that has surrounded Norway's camp throughout an unforgettable tournament.

Haaland was also asked whether England supporters should "stay humble," a playful reference to his now-famous remark directed at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a Premier League clash in 2024.

Again smiling, the striker replied: "I think everyone should stay humble, but they should be confident of progressing, definitely."

England arrive in the quarter-finals having reached at least this stage in each of the last three men's World Cups, although they have not reached a final since lifting the trophy in 1966.

Norway, by contrast, are enjoying their deepest-ever run in the competition after finishing second in Group I before knocking out Ivory Coast and Brazil in successive knockout rounds.

Although Haaland has led Norway's charge with seven goals and has now scored in each of his last 14 competitive internationals, he admitted their progress has exceeded even his own expectations.

"I didn't expect it. To be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup is quite surprising even for me," he said.

"Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil, then go and play England in the quarter-finals in the USA, is quite special."

He added that the celebrations back home underlined just how significant the achievement has been.

"I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be here, so it's super special."

Saturday's meeting also carries personal significance for Haaland, who was born in Leeds while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was playing for Leeds United.

Now starring in the Premier League with Manchester City, the striker will face several familiar opponents from England's squad.

"It's a special game, definitely," Haaland said.

"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."

Away from the pitch, Haaland has become one of the tournament's biggest attractions in the United States. Hours after helping Norway beat Ivory Coast in the Round of 32, he famously spent his evening shopping for cowboy boots and hats in Dallas, documenting the trip on his YouTube channel, where the video attracted millions of views.

The striker says he has embraced every aspect of the tournament.

"It's a good thing because I like the Americans. I think they are kind of hilarious. They are funny, so I like the way they are," he said.

"Honestly, every single thing with the World Cup so far here has been amazing. From the games to the stadiums, everything has been amazing. The training ground where we train has been amazing, so I'm super happy and it's been impressive."

Norway now stand just one victory away from a first-ever World Cup semi-final. Whether Haaland's attempt to shift the psychological pressure onto England has any impact remains to be seen, but after already toppling Brazil, the tournament's surprise package clearly believes another upset is within reach.