Haaland Hails Bellingham After England Victory
Erling Haaland has launched a passionate defence of former team-mate Jude Bellingham after Norway's agonising 2-1 defeat to England in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday night in Miami. The match went to extra-time, with Bellingham scoring twice to turn the game on its head and send England through to face Argentina.
Norway had taken the lead in the first half of normal time, but Bellingham's double ensured England's progression. The Real Madrid midfielder has now scored six goals in as many games at the tournament, silencing critics who questioned his inclusion after Thomas Tuchel left him out of the squad in October.
Haaland: Bellingham Doesn't Deserve Criticism
Haaland, who played alongside Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund, cannot fathom the criticism the midfielder has faced. "Jude is a good friend," the Manchester City striker said post-match. "We had two good years together in Dortmund, we keep in touch and he's such a good guy. We had so much fun together."
"I'm not surprised that he scored two goals and performs the way he does. The only thing is that sometimes he gets a bit too much criticism because he doesn't score enough goals or whatever. He doesn't deserve that because he's one of the best in the world and he's a midfielder who still scores goals and he still managed to dribble past every single player on the field."
Haaland added: "So it's just praise for Jude. He's unbelievable. England and Real Madrid are lucky because everybody would want a Jude in their team."
Haaland Backs England to Win World Cup
Haaland, who was substituted by manager Stale Solbakken at half-time in extra-time due to fatigue and a dead leg, was asked if he is now rooting for England to win the tournament. "Yeah, why not?" he replied. "I have a few City lads in the England squad, one in France's and one in Spain's. Of course, I want England to do well because it's a nice country and it's a nice shirt. I got an England jersey before I got a Norway jersey when I was young."
