Erling Haaland’s Leeds United ties revisited as England await Norway | OneFootball

Leeds-born Erling Haaland and Norway face Thomas Tuchel’s England in a World Cup quarter-final tonight, a 10pm kick-off for a semi-final place. Haaland has admitted Norway’s progress to the last eight has come as a surprise.

Eligible for England through birth in Leeds in July 2000 during Alf-Inge Haaland’s spell with the Whites, the striker’s affection for United has long been evident. “I didn't feel like cheering. I have respect for Leeds, where I was born,” he told VG in 2022 after scoring twice at Elland Road.

Back at RB Salzburg he said his ultimate aim was to win the Premier League with Leeds, to surpass his father and to earn more international caps. With 54 caps and 62 goals, he has already met the target of earning more than his father.

At this World Cup the centre-forward has seven goals, placing him third in the Golden Boot race, one behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

In club football he has scored three times against Leeds. Despite his Manchester City status, gestures like acknowledging a supporter’s Leeds chant after May’s FA Cup final underline why many fans view him as one of their own.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk