Erling Haaland ramps up mind games with England before World Cup quarter-final | OneFootball

Erling Haaland has issued a direct challenge to the media, urging them to "put every single pressure on the English lads" ahead of Norway's World Cup quarter-final clash with England on Saturday.

The Manchester City striker has been instrumental in Norway's historic progression to the last eight, netting seven goals in five appearances. Born in Leeds, Haaland faces familiar faces in what he calls a "special game", keen to shift the spotlight onto Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

Asked about Norway’s World Cup prospects, 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."

He elaborated on the personal significance of the fixture: "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."

Haaland also offered advice to the English side: "I think everyone should stay humble, they should be confident of progressing definitely, it’s England."

Haaland wants the media to pile pressure on Thomas Tuchel's side (Getty)

Norway’s record-breaking run saw them overcome the Ivory Coast in the last 32 before delivering a stunning upset against Brazil in the last 16.

Reflecting on their unexpected success, Haaland added: "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."

Haaland has been in stunning form throughout Norway’s campaign, scoring twice against Iraq and then repeating the feat against Senegal as the Nordic nation finished second in their group behind France.

Now, he will hope to cause England more problems, with a spot in the semi-finals on the line. The winner of Saturday’s clash will face either defending champions Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals next Wednesday in Atlanta.

The final is then due to take place in New Jersey on 19 July.