England hit back at Erling Haaland 'mind games' before Norway World Cup clash

Nico O’Reilly has accused Erling Haaland of playing “mind games” ahead of England’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final tie against Norway.

Haaland has labelled England, who are bidding to reach their second World Cup semi-final in the last three tournaments, as “clear favourites” to beat Norway when the two teams meet in Miami on Saturday.

Norway are breaking new ground after reaching their first-ever World Cup quarter-final following a shock 2-1 win over Brazil in the last 16, while England produced a mammoth performance to beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 with 10 men at the Estadio Azteca.

The Three Lions are wary of Haaland’s goal threat, with the Manchester City superstar just one behind Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the star-studded race for the Golden Boot.

Left-back O’Reilly will be tasked with helping to keeping his City team-mate in check, but said that England were not focusing on individuals as he praised Norway’s collective strength.

Asked about Haaland’s comments, which saw him insist that all the pressure is on England, O’Reilly said: “Yeah, mind games.

“But they're a good team as well. They've showed that throughout the whole tournament.

Team-mates: Norway striker Erling Haaland and England’s Nico O’Reilly play together at Manchester City (Getty)

“It's not just certain players that we need to worry about. They're good collectively, and it's going to be a good game.”

Haaland, who scored twice late on to propel Norway to victory over Brazil, is well known within the England camp, with O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and John Stones all team-mates of his at City.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a superb debut World Cup, but O’Reilly is adamant that if they can keep Haaland quiet, then England will have a good chance of progressing to the semi-finals.

“Erling's Erling,” he added. “We all know what he's like. He can score goals. He's dangerous in the box, and he's a real threat. But they need to get him the ball in first. A lot goes into it.

“I think keeping Erling quiet gives us a real chance to win the game.

“We know the threat he can cause - unbelievable striker, world-class, and he showed that throughout the tournament, scoring every game he's played in.”