Erling Haaland’s Leeds roots and why he could have played for England at the World Cup | OneFootball

Erling Haaland was born in Leeds, giving him the option of England, yet the Manchester City striker chose Norway.

According to Leeds Live, he was born at Leeds General Infirmary on 21 July 2000. His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was playing for Leeds United, a circumstance that granted dual eligibility.

Both parents are Norwegian. The family moved back to Bryne when he was three, and with his father retiring in 2003, his time in Britain was brief and left few memories.

Haaland came through every Norwegian youth level, deepening his ties to the federation long before global stardom. When asked about his choice, he has said Norway felt natural after so long living there, and he never showed any appetite to represent England.

His allegiance was settled with a senior competitive debut in September 2019. He is now Norway's all-time top goalscorer and his prolific return has propelled a deep FIFA World Cup 2026 run.

Norway face England in a quarter-final on Saturday at 10pm UK time, with the winners to meet either Switzerland or Argentina.

Source: Leeds Live