​Erling Haaland has revealed that he is now backing England after they eliminated Norway from the World Cup, signaling a shift in allegiance despite his Norwegian roots. The Manchester City striker, who had been quiet on the scoresheet in the tournament up to that point, watched as Thomas Tuchel’s team edged a 2-1 victory over their opponents after extra time in a match played under stifling heat in Miami. The result marked another dramatic moment in a tournament filled with surprises and memorable performances, with Haaland’s own personal history adding an extra layer of interest to the game.
Haaland’s ties to England run deep. He was born in Leeds, and his father, Alf Inge Haaland, once played for the Yorkshire club. That connection to English football, combined with the presence of several Manchester City teammates in the England squad, appears to have influenced his stance as a supporter. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Haaland explained his evolving loyalties and his support for England, saying, “Yes, why not. I have some City friends at England.” He added that he naturally wants England to do well and recalled a childhood memory of briefly owning an England shirt before getting one from Norway.
While Haaland has long been a key figure for Norway, the spotlight at the World Cup has highlighted several other players who are starring for their countries, and Jude Bellingham was at the center of attention in this fixture. The Borussia Dortmund alumnus, who later joined Real Madrid and then moved on to wherever his career has taken him since, turned in a standout performance by scoring two goals that flipped the tie in England’s favor. Haaland, reflecting on his former Dortmund teammate, spoke warmly about Bellingham and their shared history at the German club.
“Jude is a good friend. We had two great years at Dortmund,” Haaland said. “We are good friends and he is such a nice guy.” He also addressed the broader implications of Bellingham’s form, noting that while the midfielder has faced criticism at times for not scoring enough goals, he believes that such criticism is undeserved. “I am not surprised that he is scoring today and performing the way he is,” Haaland continued. “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.”
As England advance in the tournament, Haaland’s comments underscore how players with interconnected club histories and personal loyalties can influence national team narratives. His revelation of supporting England adds an intriguing speaking point for fans and pundits who follow the World Cup closely, especially given how a single match can elevate the status of a player within the national team’s folklore. For England, having a star striker from a neighboring country who now backs their cause could be seen as a lucky charm of sorts, especially when the squad features numerous City teammates who also share a club connection.
This latest update in Haaland’s stance comes amid increased attention on England’s World Cup campaign, where the team has showcased depth, creativity, and resilience. The performance of Bellingham in particular has drawn admiration from fans and teammates alike, reinforcing the belief that England possess a blend of young talent and veteran poise capable of competing at the highest level. As the tournament continues to unfold, Haaland’s support for England adds an extra layer of intrigue to the evolving storylines surrounding both Haaland’s career and the English national team’s quest for glory on football’s biggest stage.