Erling Haaland has declared his support for England after the Three Lions knocked Norway out of the World Cup with a 2-1 quarter-final victory in Miami. The Manchester City striker, who failed to score for the first time in the tournament and was substituted in extra time, said he would now back Thomas Tuchel's side in their quest for glory.
Haaland's English Roots
Haaland, 25, was born in Leeds while his father Alf-Inge was playing for the Yorkshire club. He was even pictured wearing an England shirt as a youngster, but moved back to Norway at age three and has represented them internationally ever since. Asked if he supported England's bid to end 60 years of hurt, Haaland said: “Yes, why not. I have some City friends at England. Of course I want them to do well. I got an England shirt before I got a Norway shirt when I was little.”
Bellingham's Heroics
Haaland's former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham, 23, was England's hero, scoring twice to turn the quarter-final around. Haaland, who scored seven goals in the tournament, called Bellingham a 'good friend'. “We had two great years at Dortmund. We are good friends and he is such a nice guy. I am not surprised that he is scoring today and performing the way he is. The only thing is that he gets a bit too much criticism sometimes for not scoring enough goals. I think that is undeserved. He still scores goals and dribbles everyone on the pitch. He is incredible and England are lucky because everyone wants a player like that.”
