World Cup 2026: The 'Three Lions' and the challenge named Haaland

However, for the "Three Lions," the biggest problem is not scoring goals but finding a way to stop the goal-scoring machine named Haaland.

The Norwegian striker is in devastating form at the 2026 World Cup with 7 goals in 4 matches, just one goal behind Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. Haaland's goals have brought Norway to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in nearly 30 years, including a brace that eliminated Brazil in the round of 16.

Even the English players admit this is a particularly difficult challenge. Midfielder Morgan Rogers said: "Has anyone really stopped Erling Haaland? I'm not sure, but we'll have to try." Meanwhile, defender Nico O'Reilly – Haaland's teammate at Manchester City – believes the only way to limit the striker is to cut off his supply of the ball. O'Reilly commented: "Everyone knows how dangerous he is in the box. The important thing is not to let the ball reach Haaland's feet."

Harry Kane also has special respect for his opponent but insists the two are completely different types of strikers. The England captain assessed: "Erling is incredible. He's a machine, a physical 'beast,' with finishing ability of the highest level. I prefer to be more involved in the play, and I don't think we should be compared."

Although he is only one goal behind Haaland in the Golden Boot race, Kane insists his biggest goal is not a personal award but helping England end a 60-year drought for a major title. The striker, currently playing for Bayern Munich, emphasized: "My biggest goal is to win the World Cup. But I'm also a number 9, so if I score, that will help the team get closer to the target."

Kane said the England team is facing the opportunity to realize a dream that many generations of players could not achieve. He shared: "We are exactly where we wanted to be when the tournament started. We've overcome many difficult moments, and now there are just a few matches left to turn the dream into reality."

On the Norwegian side, Haaland also added heat to the upcoming clash by cleverly shifting the pressure onto the opponent. The 25-year-old striker said: "England are one of the title contenders. So everyone should put all the pressure on the English players."

The match is even more meaningful for Haaland as he was born in England, when his father – former star Alf-Inge Haaland – was playing for Leeds United. Currently, he is also a star at Manchester City and has many teammates on the England national team. The striker shared: "This is definitely a very special match. I was born in England, I play football in England, and now I'm facing the England team with many familiar teammates."

Besides Haaland, Norway also has up to 9 players currently playing at English clubs, making the quarterfinal take on the flavor of a clash between teammates who know each other very well.

After a thrilling 3-2 victory over co-host Mexico, the England team enters the match with significant squad difficulties as Jarell Quansah is suspended, while Declan Rice and Marc Guehi are not fully fit. However, Bukayo Saka confirmed that the entire team has put aside emotions from the round of 16 to focus entirely on the upcoming challenge.

Theoretically, England are rated higher due to experience and squad depth. But facing a Haaland at his peak form and a Norway team playing with high spirits, the "Three Lions" understand that just one moment of lapse could end their World Cup dream. And in a match where all eyes are on Haaland, the solution to the puzzle named after the Norwegian striker will likely decide the ticket to the 2026 World Cup semifinals.