Fifa World Cup: Erling Haaland begins psychological warfare as Norway take on England
Striker adamant pressure all on Three Lions for Miami quarter-final clash, says it is ‘super special’ to face country of birth
Norway talisman Erling Haaland has tried to turn up the heat on England before the teams’ World Cup quarter-final clash on Sunday, claiming that “every single pressure” is on the Three Lions to end their 60-year major trophy drought.
Haaland has scored seven goals in his four appearances in the United States, including the double that ousted Brazil in the round of 16.
Born in England when his dad, Alf Inge Haaland, was playing for Leeds United, the centre-forward acknowledged that it was “quite surprising” to find himself still in the tournament, having last year given Norway a 0.5 per cent chance of becoming world champions.
Conversely, he rates England as one of the “clear favourites” to lift the trophy in New Jersey this month.
“I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads,” Haaland told reporters at Inter Miami CF Stadium.
Haaland, 25, could potentially find himself in direct confrontation in Miami with an England back four that features three of his Manchester City teammates in Marc Guehi, John Stones and Nico O’Reilly, albeit with central defender Guehi racing to overcome a hamstring issue.