Haaland hands England all the pressure ahead of World Cup quarter-final in Miami

Erling Haaland has handed England the weight of expectation ahead of their World Cup quarter-final in Miami on Saturday, insisting Norway are underdogs and that every drop of pressure belongs on Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions.

The Manchester City striker, who has scored seven goals in the tournament so far, is relishing a personal subplot that sees him line up against club team-mates Marc Guehi and John Stones, as well as England captain Harry Kane. “All of you should put every single bit of pressure on the English lads,” Haaland said. “It’s a special game, definitely.”

Asked directly whether Norway were underdogs heading into the last-eight tie, Haaland did not hesitate. “Yeah, definitely. I think everyone should stay humble, but they have a right to be confident about progressing.” He also tempered expectations of Norway going all the way, rating their chances of lifting the trophy as “really low still” despite a run that included the elimination of Brazil.

For Haaland, the occasion carries a significance that goes beyond his own goalscoring record. Born in England and based there throughout his club career, he described the fixture as “super special” on multiple levels. “For me, it’s super special because I play in England and was born in England. Facing team-mates makes it a funny game, but it’s going to be nice.”

The 25-year-old was equally keen to frame Norway’s run in the context of what it means back home. “Playing against Brazil was crazy for us Norwegians. To win that match and then play England in a World Cup quarter-final in the USA is quite special. If you look at the scenes back home, this is not normal for Norway.”

Haaland had placed Norway’s pre-tournament chances of winning the World Cup at 25 per cent, a figure he has since revised sharply downward. Whether his public deference to England is genuine humility or calculated mind games, Tuchel’s squad will need to find an answer to a striker who has been in relentless form throughout the competition.