Haaland backs Bellingham and England after Norway's extra-time World Cup exit

Erling Haaland emerged from Norway’s 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in Miami on Saturday with a passionate defence of the man who ended his side’s World Cup run — Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid midfielder scored twice to overturn Norway’s first-half lead and send England through to a semi-final against Argentina, with Haaland himself substituted at half-time of extra-time due to fatigue and a dead leg.

The two players share a bond from their time together at Borussia Dortmund, and Haaland was quick to push back against the criticism Bellingham has attracted during the tournament. “Jude is a good friend,” the Manchester City striker said post-match. “We had two good years together in Dortmund, we keep in touch and he’s such a good guy. We had so much fun together.”

Bellingham’s place in England’s squad had been in genuine doubt earlier in the campaign, after manager Thomas Tuchel left him out in October. Six goals in six games at the tournament have since silenced those questions, a fact not lost on Haaland. “I’m not surprised that he scored two goals and performs the way he does,” he said. “The only thing is that sometimes he gets a bit too much criticism because he doesn’t score enough goals or whatever. He doesn’t deserve that because he’s one of the best in the world.”

Haaland went further, arguing that Bellingham’s all-round contribution is routinely undervalued. “He’s a midfielder who still scores goals and he still managed to dribble past every single player on the field. So it’s just praise for Jude. He’s unbelievable. England and Real Madrid are lucky because everybody would want a Jude in their team.”

Asked whether he would now be cheering England on in the latter stages, Haaland did not hesitate. “Yeah, why not? I have a few City lads in the England squad, one in France’s and one in Spain’s. Of course, I want England to do well because it’s a nice country and it’s a nice shirt. I got an England jersey before I got a Norway jersey when I was young.”

England’s victory sets up a semi-final against Argentina, while Norway’s tournament ends at the quarter-final stage.