'I want England to do well' - Haaland backs England after Norway's quarter-final loss

'I want England to do well' - Haaland backs England after Norway's quarter-final loss

Norway, playing in their first World Cup for 28 years, took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup before England fought back. Jude Bellingham scored twice to send the Three Lions into the semi-finals and end Norway's campaign.

Haaland, who was born in Leeds, admitted he has always had a soft spot for England because of his family connection and friendships with several England players.

"Why not? I have a few City teammates in the England squad, and of course I want England to do well," Haaland said.

"I've supported them for a long time. I think I had an England shirt before I had a Norway shirt when I was young. It's a nice country and a nice shirt."

Haaland enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring seven goals and putting himself firmly in the race for the Golden Boot alongside Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Harry Kane.

The 25-year-old also matched Grzegorz Lato's record for goals scored by a player making his World Cup debut, adding another milestone to a remarkable tournament.

Despite the disappointment of defeat, Haaland believes Norway have shown they can compete with the world's best teams.

"It's difficult to take in everything we've experienced over the last six weeks. There has been so much pressure and so much emotion," he said.

"I think we're at that level now. This tournament can change Norway. The important thing is to keep going because we've shown it is possible."

"We've shown that we can become one of the biggest football nations in the world. We gave England a good fight, and in the end I'm just proud. I've been proud every day since we qualified and since arriving in the United States."

Related News

Nigeria's Moses Simon makes sad FIFA World Cup admission

Nigeria's Moses Simon makes sad FIFA World Cup admission

  • 59 minutes ago

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has admitted that his dream of playing at the FIFA World Cup may never be realised, with the Nigerian star expecting a new generation to lead the country in 2030.

Thibaut Courtois opens door to Belgium stay but wants Nations League break

Thibaut Courtois opens door to Belgium stay but wants Nations League break

  • 1 hour ago

Thibaut Courtois has revealed he is prepared to continue playing for Belgium but wants to take a break from international duty during the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign to focus on his fitness.

'We have had fantastic support' - Solbakken proud despite Norway's World Cup exit

'We have had fantastic support' - Solbakken proud despite Norway's World Cup exit

  • 2 hours ago

Norway coach Stale Solbakken fought back tears as he reflected on his team's remarkable 2026 FIFA World Cup journey after their 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the quarter-finals.

Tuchel explains Declan Rice 'gamble' after England reach World Cup semi-finals

Tuchel explains Declan Rice 'gamble' after England reach World Cup semi-finals

  • 4 hours ago

England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Declan Rice spent much of the three days leading up to the FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway in bed after illness, making his decision to start the midfielder an even bigger risk.