Erling Haaland has publicly called on Wayne Rooney to honour his pledge to row down the River Mersey after Norway's historic World Cup quarter-final qualification. The Manchester City striker made his feelings clear during a live BBC interview ahead of England's quarter-final clash with Norway.
Rooney's Bold Wager
Former England captain Wayne Rooney had promised to row down the River Mersey if Norway progressed past Brazil in the round of 16. Speaking on BBC, Rooney said: "If Norway get to the quarter-finals, I'll go in the River Mersey and row down it." Norway secured a stunning victory thanks to a brace from Haaland, advancing to the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation's history.
Haaland Holds Rooney to His Word
Ahead of Saturday's quarter-final, Haaland took great delight in reminding Rooney of his promise. He said: "I'm looking forward to seeing Wayne, Wayney boy. I'm looking forward to seeing Wayne Rooney rowing down in Liverpool. That's all I want to see now. Wayne Rooney, I expect you to go out on a rowing trip."
Rooney's Response and Counter-Offer
Rooney addressed his wager shortly after Norway's victory, revealing he was trying to recruit fellow pundits to join him. When prompted by BBC host Kelly Cates, he said: "Was that me?" He added: "I'm a man of my word. Micah [Richards] has agreed to do it with me. We're a team. The only thing I'll say is, because we've got a lot on, it might have to be the Hudson River when we're in New York. If the BBC can sort that."
Fellow pundit Joe Hart also volunteered, saying: "I'll do the Hudson with you." BBC Sport later created a mock graphic showing Rooney in an England kit rowing down the Mersey with the Liverpool skyline, captioned: "Over to you."
Alternative Suggestion from Metro Mayor
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram proposed an alternative to the rowing challenge. He said: "How about this instead, we can sort out a rowing boat OR in a couple of months' time, we'll launch our brand new £26m Mersey Ferry. Fancy swapping oars for the captain's chair?"
World Cup Context and Celebration
Rooney's bet was inspired by Norway's viral post-match rowing celebration, where a player beats a drum in time with fans and teammates mimicking rowing movements. England supporters will hope to avoid that celebration after Saturday's quarter-final in Miami. The winner will face either Switzerland or Argentina in the semi-final in Atlanta.
