How Yorkshire-born Erling Haaland could have been playing for England! Norway superstar even says ‘home’ is here – but now he’s out to make himself Public Enemy Number One
Erling Haaland, the Norway striker born in Leeds, will lead the line against England — his country of birth — in a World Cup quarter-final in Miami on Saturday night. The article highlights how deeply England has shaped Haaland's story, from his birth in west Yorkshire to his current role as a Manchester City forward, noting that he has previously said he feels English and even considers the country "home". It matters because Haaland is now poised to potentially knock England out of the tournament.
Haaland was born in Leeds in July 2000, just after his father Alf-Inge Haaland completed his final season at Elland Road. Haaland Snr spent 10 years playing in England — four seasons at Nottingham Forest and three each at Leeds United and Manchester City. At this World Cup, the younger Haaland has scored seven goals and driven Norway to the quarter-finals, and in an interview with Manchester City's website last season he admitted he does feel English.
- Leeds-born Haaland faces England, his birth country, in Miami quarter-final.
- He has scored seven goals, taking Norway to the last eight.
- His father Alf-Inge played 10 years in English football.