Haaland relishing 'super special' England showdown as Norway's dream World Cup run rolls on

Erling Haaland is relishing a "super special" World Cup quarter-final against England, saying the clash carries added significance because it pits him against the country of his birth and several of his Premier League teammates.

The Manchester City striker has been the driving force behind Norway's remarkable run to the last eight in their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 28 years, scoring seven goals in four matches, including a decisive brace in the shock 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16.

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Born in England while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was playing for Leeds United, the 25-year-old has spent the past four seasons starring for Manchester City, making Friday's quarter-final in Miami a particularly meaningful occasion.

"It's a special game, yeah, definitely. I think for me it's super special, because I play in England and I was born in England, and you also play against team-mates and everything," Haaland told reporters.

"It's a funny game and it's gonna be nice."

Haaland admitted even he had not anticipated Norway's fairytale run to the quarter-finals.

"I didn't expect it, to be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup is quite surprising even for me," he said.

"Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil and then go and play England in the quarter-finals in the World Cup in the USA is quite special.

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"I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be, so it's super special."

While Norway have emerged as one of the tournament's surprise packages, England are appearing in their third consecutive World Cup quarter-final and entered the tournament among the favourites to lift the trophy.

Haaland was happy to remind England of that expectation.

"I think there's some clear favourites out there, England's one of them," he said.

"I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads."

Norway's success has also turned Haaland into one of the breakout stars of the tournament in the United States. Beyond his goals, the striker has attracted attention for his easygoing personality, including a viral social media video in which he dressed as a cowboy shortly after scoring the winner against Ivory Coast in the Round of 32.

"It's a good thing because I like the Americans, I think they are kind of hilarious as well. They are funny, so I like the way they are," he said.

"I think it's just good. Honestly on every single thing with the World Cup so far here it has been amazing: from the games to the stadiums, everything has been amazing.

"The training ground where we train has been amazing, so I'm super happy and it's been impressive."