Silencing World Cup hotshot Haaland vital, says England's O'Reilly
England's football team is preparing for a World Cup quarter-final match against Norway, with a specific focus on neutralizing striker Erling Haaland. Players emphasize that while Haaland is a threat, the team is focused on their own collective strength and tournament experience.
Why it matters
High-stakes international sports tournaments drive significant media engagement and reflect national sporting ambitions.
Haaland has been at his rampaging best at the 2026 tournament, scoring seven goals to fire his team into the quarter-finals for the first time.
There will be plenty of club connections across the pitch in Miami on Saturday, with Haaland likely coming up against O'Reilly and centre-back Marc Guehi.
Arsenal are also well represented, with Norway captain Martin Odegaard potentially facing Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Thomas Tuchel's men reached the last eight after a captivating backs-to-the-wall win against co-hosts Mexico, during which they were reduced to 10 men when defender Jarell Quansah was sent off.
Left-back O'Reilly told reporters at England's base in Kansas City that Haaland was the main man for Norway but said the team were not a one-man band.
"No, not at all," he said. "They've got great players all around the pitch who can cause a lot of danger.
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