As England prepare to face Norway in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, containing Erling Haaland is Thomas Tuchel's top priority. The Manchester City striker has scored seven goals in four Premier League appearances against Marc Guehi, but other defenders have had more success.
Three rare occasions Haaland was neutralised
Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal (Premier League, March 31, 2024): Haaland had four shots, none on target, accumulating just 0.31 xG – well below his 0.9 average. Arsenal's centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes stayed compact, denying him space.
Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City (Premier League, January 17, 2026): Haaland managed 0.13 xG from two blocked shots, failing to win his only aerial duel. Lisandro Martinez defended aggressively, staying in front and making first contact.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Manchester City (FA Cup Final, May 17, 2025): Haaland had three shots (one on target) for 0.24 xG. Chris Richards anticipated his runs after an early scare.
Data-driven defensive options
Ezri Konsa and Dan Burn have the best team records: Haaland scored once in five appearances against Konsa and once in six against Burn. However, Burn has won only 40% of duels and 50% of aerial duels against Haaland. Konsa boasts 75% aerial duel win rate and 66% overall duel win rate. Guehi has never conceded a foul to Haaland and has won 83% of duels.
Trevoh Chalobah has the worst record, winning just 25% of aerial duels and 33% of overall duels against the Norwegian.
John Stones: The secret weapon?
Stones, who has trained alongside Haaland at City, is an excellent aerial defender, winning 84.6% of his aerial duels last season. His familiarity with Haaland's movements could be crucial.
Djed Spence's pace (33.31 km/h top speed) could also help, as Haaland has reached 31.52 km/h at the World Cup.
Tuchel may start Stones alongside Konsa, with Burn potentially at left-back to track Alexander Sorloth. The battle between Haaland and England's defence will define the tie.
