“England are lucky because everyone would want a Jude on their team” – Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland, 25, had just been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Norway lost 2-1 to England in the quarter-finals in Miami, and the two goals that sealed the comeback were scored by Jude Bellingham, his friend and former teammate at Borussia Dortmund.
Minutes later, in the mixed zone, with the defeat still fresh, Haaland did not talk about the elimination. He talked about Bellingham. He said he finds him ‘unbelievable’ and that he receives too much criticism for what he is really worth on the pitch.
Haaland was also clear about his personal priorities: he admitted that he wants England to do well in the tournament, even before having a clearly defined Norwegian nationality in his footballing heart, because he was born in Leeds 🏴. The rivalry stayed on the pitch; the friendship remained intact. 🤍
