Wayne Rooney has promised to complete his forfeit after Norway stunned Brazil to set up a World Cup quarter-final against England.
Speaking following Norway’s round of 32 win over Ivory Coast, Rooney gave Erling Haaland and co. little to no chance of beating the five-time winners in New Jersey on Sunday night.
In fact, the former England captain vowed to row down the River Mersey if Norway managed to pull off the ‘impossible’.
“If Norway get to the quarter-finals, I will go in the River Mersey and I'll row down it,” Rooney said on BBC Sport.
Thanks to a late brace from Haaland, Norway did prove the ex-Manchester United and Everton striker wrong as they beat Brazil 2-1 to reach their first-ever World Cup quarter-final.
Rooney, though, has doubled down on his promise but has made a request to switch locations after being in reinforcements such as fellow pundit Micah Richards.
He said: “Was that me? Erm, yeah I'm a man of my word. Micah has agreed to do it with me and Gabby.
“We're a team. They've agreed to it. I'll row no problem. It might have to be the Hudson River if the BBC can sort that. But I'll do it.”
"I'm a man of my word!" 🗣️
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 6, 2026
Wayne's double downed on his rowing promise, and he's got reinforcements! 🚣 pic.twitter.com/3SANDW9Al3
The rowing idea is in reference to how Norway’s players and staff have celebrated their victories during the World Cup by doing the 'Viking Row'.
Usually led by captain Martin Odegaard, the Arsenal midfielder allowed Haaland to do the honours following his brace against Brazil.
Next up for Norway is a meeting with England in Miami after the Three Lions came out on top in a five-goal thriller against Mexico in the Estadio Azteca.
