Erling Haaland has attempted to shift the weight of expectation firmly onto England before Norway face Thomas Tuchel’s side in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Manchester City striker described England as one of the clear favourites for the trophy and encouraged the media to direct the pressure towards their players ahead of Saturday’s match in Miami.
Norway began the tournament as outsiders but have emerged as one of its biggest stories. Haaland has scored seven goals in four appearances, including both goals in the 2-0 last-16 victory over Brazil.
Despite that remarkable run, the 25-year-old continues to play down his country’s prospects of winning the competition. He previously estimated Norway’s chances at just 0.5% and insisted they remain “really low”, even after reaching the last eight.
“England are one of the clear favourites, so I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads,” Haaland said with a smile.
Asked whether England supporters should remain humble, Haaland referred playfully to the phrase he directed at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta following a Premier League match in September 2024.
He said everyone should remain humble, although England’s fans were entitled to feel confident that their team would progress.
Norway are competing at their first World Cup since 1998 and have already travelled further than many expected. Haaland admitted that even he had been surprised by their progress, particularly after eliminating five-time champions Brazil.
He described the prospect of following that result with a quarter-final against England in the United States as a special moment for Norwegian football.
Haaland was born in Leeds while his father, Alf-Inge, was playing in England. He has also spent four seasons in the Premier League and will come up against several familiar faces in Miami, including current and former Manchester City teammates.
“It’s a special game,” he said. “I play in England, I was born in England and I’m playing against teammates. It’s a funny game and it’s going to be nice.”
Haaland’s form has made him the leading scorer at the tournament, one goal ahead of England captain Harry Kane. However, Norway have stressed that their success has been built around more than their star forward.
Midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt said the team have little to lose, while Morten Thorsby highlighted the positive atmosphere and close relationships within the squad. That unity has helped Norway move into unfamiliar territory during their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
England, by contrast, have regularly reached the latter stages of major tournaments in recent years. They have made at least the quarter-finals at three World Cups and two European Championships over the past eight years, but their 1966 triumph remains their only major men’s international title.
Tuchel’s team reached the last eight after a dramatic victory over co-hosts Mexico despite finishing the match with 10 players. The result came at a cost, with defender Jarell Quansah receiving a two-match suspension following his red card.
Norway, meanwhile, are expected to have a fully fit squad. Reports of illness within the camp earlier in the week were played down before the match.
While Haaland has enjoyed the attention surrounding Norway’s unexpected run, he said the players must continue balancing serious preparation with an appreciation of the occasion.
“You need to train well, focus and prepare, but you also need to enjoy the moment,” he said. “Nothing lasts forever, so we have to enjoy it while we’re here.”
The quarter-final will take place at Miami Stadium on Saturday, with the winner advancing to face either Spain or Belgium in the last four.