Norway striker Erling Haaland turns up heat on World Cup 2026 quarter-final opponents by claiming 'pressure is on England'

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Erling Haaland believes England are right to approach their World Cup quarter-final clash with confidence, insisting the pressure is firmly on Thomas Tuchel's side to deliver against a country set to play at this stage for the first time ever.

'It's a funny game' - Haaland excited for 'special' clash with England

Video credit: SNTV

Norway's talisman believes his team-mates have nothing to fear ahead of the meeting, with England viewed as favourites ahead of Saturday's clash in Miami, having avoided a potential showdown with Brazil in the last eight.

Most England supporters welcomed the prospect of facing Norway rather than Carlo Ancelotti's side, who were eliminated after a 2-1 defeat, courtesy of two trademark Haaland goals in the second half.

The result opened up what appears, on paper, to be a more favourable route to the semi-finals for Tuchel's side, who came through their last-16 tie with Mexico by winning 3-2 despite playing much of the second half with 10 men at the Azteca Stadium.

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However, Haaland has warned that expectation brings its own burden, with England carrying the weight of a nation hoping to see their long wait for World Cup glory finally end.

When asked if all the pressure is on England to reach the semi-finals, Haaland told reporters on Thursday: "Yeah, definitely.

"What's the percentage right now [of Norway to progress]? Really low, still. I think there are some clear favourites out there.

"England is one of them. I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.

"Definitely, it's a special game for me because I play in England, and I'm born in England.

"You also play against team-mates... it's not weird, but it's a funny game, and it's going to be nice.

"I think everyone should stay humble, but at the same time they should definitely be confident of progressing as it's England!

"Playing against Brazil was crazy for Norwegians, so to win against them and to then play against England in the quarter-finals is quite special.

"If you look at the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal. It's not where we're supposed to be, so it's super special."

Haaland arrived at this World Cup with the weight of his country on his shoulders, having failed to previously reach a major tournament.

But in netting twice during the 2-1 victory over Brazil, the Manchester City striker has now scored in each of his last 14 consecutive internationals for Norway.

Even by his own high standards, the 25-year-old has surpassed his own personal expectations.

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"Yes, for sure [I've surprised myself]," Haaland reflected on his seven tournament goals so far.

"I didn't expect this at all. I've already said this plenty of times, even before the Brazil game, I said I didn't expect this. To be in the quarter-finals with Norway at the World Cup is quite surprising even for me.

"To just be able to play in a World Cup is a huge honour and was a huge goal for me in my career. To play on this stage with my Norwegian friends is truly special.

"In the first game against Iraq, I looked around the stadium. It's difficult to take everything in, but you also need to when it's the World Cup. I try to play each game like it's a training session."

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