Haaland Tells Media To Pile Pressure On England Before World Cup Clash

KANSAS CITY (Missouri), July 10 (NNN-dpa) -- Norway striker Erling Haaland has told the media they “should put every single pressure on the English lads” ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final with England, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Haaland has spearheaded Norway’s first run to the last eight of the global tournament, scoring seven goals in five appearances as he has proved himself on the biggest stage.

The Manchester City striker, who was born in Leeds, will come up against some familiar faces in what he calls a “special game”, but he was keen to put all the pressure on Thomas Tuchel’s men.

Asked how he rated Norway’s chances of winning the World Cup, Haaland told reporters in Miami: “Still really low.

“I think there’s some clear favourites out there, England’s one of them. I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.”

“It’s a special game, definitely. I think for me it’s super special, because I play in England and I was born in England, and you also play against team-mates and everything.

“It’s a funny game and it’s going to be nice.

“I think everyone should stay humble, they should be confident of progressing definitely, it’s England.”

Norway’s record-breaking run saw them beat the Ivory Coast in the Round of 32 before producing a brilliant result to see off Brazil in the last 16.

He said: “Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil and then go and play England in the quarter-finals in the World Cup in the USA is quite special.

“I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway, so it’s super special.”

--NNN-dpa