Norway striker Erling Haaland has piled the pressure on England ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final, insisting Thomas Tuchel’s side should be confident and are expected to reach the semi-finals.

England face Norway in Miami on Saturday with a place in the last four at stake after the Scandinavians stunned Brazil with a 2-1 victory in the previous round.

The result eliminated one of the tournament favourites and left many England supporters believing the Three Lions had been handed a more favourable route to the semi-finals.

Haaland, however, believes the expectations now rest entirely on England.

“England should rightly feel confident,” the Manchester City forward said, adding that the pressure is “firmly” on Tuchel’s men to deliver and book their place in the semi-finals.

England have impressed during the knockout stages, overcoming Mexico in a dramatic last-16 encounter to continue their quest for a second World Cup title.

Norway, meanwhile, have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament, with Haaland playing a leading role in their memorable victory over Brazil.

The prolific striker’s brace against Carlo Ancelotti’s side secured one of the biggest upsets of the competition and underlined Norway’s credentials as dangerous outsiders.

Despite England entering the match as favourites, Haaland’s comments appear aimed at shifting expectations onto the Three Lions, who are seeking to justify their status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.

England manager Thomas Tuchel will now have to ensure his players handle the added pressure as they bid to avoid becoming Norway’s latest high-profile scalp.

With a place in the World Cup semi-finals on the line, the clash promises to pit England’s tournament pedigree against the confidence of a Norwegian side inspired by one of the world’s most feared strikers.