Erling Haaland (foto: Getty Images)
Erling Haaland admitted he will be cheering for England in the World Cup semi-finals after Norway's elimination, revealing he supported the Three Lions long before becoming his country's biggest star.
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Erling Haaland's World Cup journey is over, but the Norwegian striker already knows who he wants to see lift the trophy.
Norway's dream ended with a heartbreaking 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the quarter-finals. Haaland finished the tournament with seven goals, once again confirming his status as one of the world's most dangerous forwards.
Although England ended Norway's campaign, Haaland admitted he still hopes the Three Lions go all the way.
"Of course, I want England to do well. I've always supported them and cheered for the English. I think I even got the England shirt before the Norway shirt as a kid," the 25-year-old said.
Haaland's affection for England is hardly surprising. He was born in Leeds while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was playing in the Premier League, and he has often described England as his second home.
Today, he is one of the biggest stars in English football as Manchester City's leading striker. Across his international career, Haaland has now scored an astonishing 62 goals in 55 appearances for Norway.
With the World Cup behind him, Haaland will now take a short holiday before returning to Manchester City for a new chapter.
The Premier League giants enter the upcoming season under new manager Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard's departure at the end of last season. Maresca previously worked as Guardiola's assistant and now faces the challenge of leading one of Europe's biggest clubs.
Manchester City narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season, finishing behind Arsenal, and Haaland will be determined to help the club reclaim the championship.
Before then, however, one thing is certain. When England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, one of Norway's greatest footballers will be cheering from the sofa.