Norway's Haaland wants 'pressure' put on England

Norway striker Erling Haaland believes England are one of the outright favourites to win the World Cup, and with a smile called on the media to put as much pressure on them as possible leading into their quarter-final meeting on Saturday.

Norway had not competed at a World Cup since 1998, but have reached the final eight for the first time after finishing second in Group I before beating Ivory Coast and Brazil in the knockout stage.

England have reached at least the quarter-finals in the past three men's World Cups, but have not made the final since winning the competition in 1966.

"I think there's some clear favourites out there, England's one of them," said Manchester City striker Haaland.

Speaking to journalists he added: "I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads."

Haaland, 25, has scored in each of his past 14 competitive games for Norway, and will look to continue that run against the nation of his birth - he was born in Leeds while his father was playing for Leeds United - when they meet in Foxborough on Saturday (22:00 BST).

When Haaland appeared on the cover of Time magazine last year, he said Norway had a 0.5% chance of winning the World Cup.

But seven goals in four appearances for Haaland - including a double to eliminate Brazil in the last 16 - have helped fire Norway to the last eight.

"I didn't expect it. To be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup is quite surprising even for me," he 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 to be, so it's super special."

Haaland's popularity in the US has surged during the tournament, partly because of his personality and off-field exploits, as well as his goals.

Just hours after scoring the winner in the last 32 against Ivory Coast, Haaland went shopping in Dallas for cowboy hats and boots.

He filmed the trip for his YouTube channel, and the video gained over six million views in five days.

"It's a good thing because I like the Americans, I think they are kind of hilarious as well. They are funny, so I like the way they are," he said.

"I think it's just good. Honestly on every single thing with the World Cup so far here it has been amazing. From the games to the stadiums, everything has been amazing.

"The training ground where we train has been amazing, so I'm super happy and it's been impressive."

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