Haaland turns up heat on England ahead of World Cup quarter-final

England face Norway with a semi-final berth on the line, and according to Sky Sports, Haaland is confident his side can trouble the tournament favourites. The Manchester City striker told journalists after Norway's training session that England must handle the weight of expectation, saying there are "clear favourites out there" and that pressure should be applied to the English camp.

Haaland acknowledged the unusual nature of the tie, playing against Manchester City team-mate Nico O'Reilly and others in English football. He called it "a bit funny" but stressed he remains humble while backing Norway's credentials after their shock 2-1 win over Brazil.

O'Reilly, speaking to Sky Sports, dismissed Haaland's comments as mind games but conceded Norway are a collective threat beyond their individual stars. He acknowledged Haaland is dangerous in the box but emphasised the Norwegians' tournament performance justifies respect.

For England, beating a side no one expected to reach the last eight carries risk. Norway's victory over Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil has shifted perceptions—they are no longer underdogs in the narrative, even if the odds favour Tuchel's team. Haaland's framing reflects that shift: the burden of being favourite now sits entirely with England.