Norway's Haaland says pressure is all on England

New Delhi, India Jul 10, 2026 ALN: Norway striker Erling Haaland says all the pressure is on England leading into their World Cup quarter-final meeting on Saturday - and with a smile, called on the media to put as much pressure on Thomas Tuchel's side as possible.

Norway's journey to the quarter-finals of the World Cup has been nothing short of remarkable. The nation had not participated in the World Cup since 1998, and their return to the global stage has been met with a mixture of surprise and excitement. Norway finished second in Group I, a feat that allowed them to advance to the knockout stages where they achieved significant victories over strong teams like Ivory Coast and Brazil. This marked a historic moment for Norwegian football, as they reached the final eight for the first time in over two decades.

In stark contrast, England's footballing history is steeped in success, particularly in the World Cup arena. The English national team has consistently reached at least the quarter-finals in the past three men's World Cups, showcasing their strength and resilience. However, despite their historical prowess, England has not made it to the final since their memorable victory in 1966, a fact that weighs heavily on the team's ambitions and adds to the pressure they face in each tournament.

When asked about the pressure surrounding the upcoming match, Haaland confidently stated, "Yes, definitely. I think there's some clear favourites out there, England's one of them." His comments highlight the expectations placed on England by fans and analysts alike, a sentiment that is echoed by the media's portrayal of the team as perennial contenders. Haaland further encouraged the media to amplify the pressure on the English squad, suggesting that the weight of expectation could influence their performance on the pitch. He remarked, "I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads. Yeah, they [England fans] should be confident of progressing, definitely. It's England."

Haaland, who plays for Manchester City, has been in exceptional form, scoring in each of his past 14 competitive games for Norway. His ability to find the back of the net has been crucial for Norway’s success, and he is poised to continue his scoring streak against England, a country that holds personal significance for him. Born in Leeds while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Leeds United, this match carries a unique emotional weight for the striker. The game is set to take place in Miami, a location that adds an interesting backdrop to this high-stakes encounter.

Reflecting on Norway's unexpected success in the tournament, Haaland admitted, "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." His humility in acknowledging the improbability of Norway's progression is indicative of the underdog status the team has embraced. The victory over Brazil, a football powerhouse, was particularly significant for the Norwegian squad. Haaland described the experience as "kind of crazy for us Norwegians" and emphasized the special nature of facing England in such a pivotal match, stating, "It's difficult to take everything in because you need to kind of just play the game like it's a training session."

Haaland's popularity has surged in the United States during the tournament, driven not only by his on-field performances but also by his engaging personality off the field. After scoring the decisive goal against Ivory Coast, he was spotted shopping for cowboy hats and boots in Dallas, a trip that he documented on his YouTube channel. The video quickly gained traction, amassing over six million views within just five days. Haaland expressed his fondness for American culture, saying, "It's a good thing because I like the Americans, I think they are kind of hilarious as well. They are funny, so I like the way they are."

His enthusiasm for the World Cup experience has been palpable, as he remarked, "Honestly on every single thing with the World Cup so far here it has been amazing. From the games to the stadiums, everything has been amazing." This positivity reflects not only his personal enjoyment but also the broader sentiment among players who are experiencing the tournament in a vibrant and diverse setting like the United States.

In addition to his football exploits, Haaland has made headlines for his off-field antics, including attending the Stanley Cup final in North Carolina and leading his teammates in the Viking row celebration after their victory over Brazil. His lighthearted approach to the tournament has resonated with fans, as he stated, "I like to joke a little bit and I like to have fun. I think that's a key to my daily life to joke around and of course train good, of course focus well and prepare well but you also need to joke around and you need to enjoy the moment." This philosophy of balancing hard work with enjoyment is something that Haaland believes is essential, especially in the high-pressure environment of the World Cup.

Haaland comments could be mind games - O'Reilly

As the match approaches, Haaland's comments regarding the pressure on England have not gone unnoticed by his Manchester City teammate, Nico O'Reilly. O'Reilly, who has experienced a meteoric rise in his career, made his first-team debut for City less than two years ago and is now a starting left-back for England at the World Cup. When asked about Haaland's remarks, O'Reilly suggested that they could be seen as mind games, saying, "Could be mind games. But look, they're a good team as well. They have shown it through the whole tournament." His acknowledgment of England's collective strength underscores the respect that players have for their opponents, regardless of the psychological tactics at play.

O'Reilly is acutely aware of Haaland's capabilities as a striker, noting, "Erling is Erling. We all know what he is like. He can score goals and is dangerous in the box. He is a real threat. They need to get him the ball. A lot goes into it." This recognition of Haaland's talent emphasizes the need for England to develop a strategic approach to neutralize his impact on the game. The stakes are high, and both teams are preparing for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle.

England's assistant coach, Anthony Barry, echoed O'Reilly's sentiments, emphasizing that Norway is not solely reliant on Haaland for their success. He remarked, "They're excellent at set-pieces, they have other threats, the frontline is full of threats, playing in some of the biggest teams in Europe." Barry's analysis points to the depth of talent within the Norwegian squad, highlighting players like Martin Ødegaard, who has not only excelled in the Premier League but also captained his national team. Barry expressed respect for Norway's achievements, stating, "It's no shock and there's no fluke at this stage of the tournament - whoever's in the last eight with us deserves it, and they have our full respect."

As the quarter-final match approaches, both teams are aware of the implications of the game, not just for their respective national pride, but also for their aspirations to progress further in the tournament. The pressure will undoubtedly be palpable, but both Haaland and O'Reilly's comments reflect a mutual respect that underscores the competitive spirit of the World Cup. With the eyes of the world on them, the stage is set for an enthralling encounter that could define the trajectories of both nations in this prestigious tournament.