Haaland backs England in World Cup after Norway's exit

Erling Haaland, the star striker for Norway and Manchester City, has declared his support for the English national team during the ongoing World Cup. Haaland, who was born in Leeds while his father Alf played for the local club, explained his allegiance stems from his personal connections and childhood affinity for England.

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Yes, why not. I have some friends from Manchester City who are in the English team.

"Yes, why not. I have some friends from Manchester City who are in the English team," Haaland told reporters on Saturday. "Of course, I want them to achieve good results. I got an England shirt before I got a Norway shirt when I was little."

The Norwegian forward also offered a strong defense of his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham, who was instrumental in England's 2-1 extra-time victory over their quarterfinal opponent. Bellingham scored both goals for England in the match, which took place in the heat of Miami.

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Of course, I want them to achieve good results. I got an England shirt before I got a Norway shirt when I was little.

"Jude is a good friend. We had two great years at Borussia Dortmund. We were friends and he is a great person," Haaland said. "I'm not surprised he scored today and performed as usual. The only thing is that he faces a lot of criticism for not scoring enough goals. I think that's undeserved. He still scores goals and dribbles past everyone on the field. He is an amazing player and England is lucky to have a player like him."

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Jude is a good friend. We had two great years at Borussia Dortmund. We were friends and he is a great person.

Haaland himself did not score in the match, marking the first time he failed to find the net in the current tournament. His comments come after Norway's exit from the World Cup.

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I'm not surprised he scored today and performed as usual. The only thing is that he faces a lot of criticism for not scoring enough goals. I think that's undeserved.