England head into Saturday’s World Cup group game against Norway with a clear mission: neutralise Erling Haaland before he can turn the match on its head. The Three Lions entered the tournament fresh from a 4‑2 win over Croatia on 2026‑06‑17, and a recent form run of two wins followed by two defeats (WWLL) leaves them eager to snap a winning streak.

How did Haaland fail before?

In the 2022 World Cup round‑of‑16, Brazil’s midfield duo Casemiro and Danilo boxed Haaland into a dead‑ball zone, letting him wander before a sudden sprint produced a 1‑0 lead. The lesson was simple – a compact midfield can starve the striker of service, then a quick burst catches the defence off‑guard. England’s midfield, anchored by Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson, will need to mirror that discipline, staying tight between the lines while watching for any sudden release.

What did Arsenal teach us?

When Manchester City met Arsenal on 31 Mar 2024, Haaland finished with an xG of just 0.31 despite four attempts. Arsenal’s centre‑backs Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba stayed together, denying space and forcing Haaland to back into Saliba for a split‑second opening that never materialised. For England, a similar partnership – perhaps John Stones alongside Harry Maguire – could limit Haaland’s movement, especially if full‑backs like Kieran Trippier keep the wide channels narrow.

Can United’s derby lessons help?

A January 2026 Premier League derby saw United beat City 2‑0, yet Haaland’s impact was muted by a chaotic defensive shape. The key was United’s aggressive pressing, cutting off passes before they reached the striker. Tuchel may opt for a high press, with Luke Shaw and Reece James harrying Norway’s midfield, preventing the ball from ever reaching Haaland’s feet.

What does this mean for England’s next steps?

If England can replicate the compact, press‑oriented approach, they stand a good chance of keeping Haaland quiet and securing three points. A win would extend their recent two‑game winning run and set the tone ahead of the next fixture – a home clash with Spain on 2026‑09‑26. The stakes are high, but the blueprint is clear: tight midfield, disciplined centre‑backs, and relentless pressure.

Final context

England’s last result, a 4‑2 victory over Croatia on 2026‑06‑17, shows they can score, but defensive solidity will be the deciding factor against a Norway side built around the world’s most lethal No. 9.