England head into their World Cup quarter‑final against Norway as favourites, yet former defender Gary Neville insists the Three Lions must stay alert to Erling Haaland’s threat.

How did England reach this stage?

The Lions secured a dramatic 3‑2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca on 16 July, with Jude Bellingham netting a double and Harry Kane converting a penalty despite playing with ten men. That win followed a 4‑2 triumph over Croatia on 17 June 2026, keeping England’s recent form at 2W‑0D‑2L (WWLL) and sparking a two‑game winning streak.

Why is Haaland such a concern?

Neville highlighted Haaland’s ability to be “anonymous” for most of a match before exploding with a decisive strike. The Norwegian forward scored twice against Brazil, taking his World Cup tally to seven goals, level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. “He can be quiet for 80 minutes and then unleash a header or a powerful shot that beats any keeper,” Neville told Sky Sports News. The former England full‑back warned that England cannot afford to drop back onto the goalkeeper when Haaland is in the box.

What does England need to improve?

According to Neville, England’s defence was “near perfect” in the first half against Mexico, but a few “bugs” crept in later – notably a lapse that allowed a Raul Jiménez header, only saved by Jordan Pickford. He urged the side to tighten set‑piece defending and maintain the compact, aggressive shape that served them well early on. “If we can iron out those small errors, we’ll be in a strong position,” he added.

What lies ahead for the Lions?

If England progress, they will face Spain at home on 26 September 2026. Meanwhile, Harry Kane remains the team’s top scorer this season with six goals in five appearances, underscoring his importance in tight knockout games. Neville’s cautionary words serve as a reminder that even as favourites, England must respect Norway’s firepower and Haaland’s match‑changing potential.

Final thoughts

The quarter‑final promises a clash of styles: England’s disciplined, compact approach versus Norway’s direct, lethal front line anchored by Haaland. Neville’s advice is clear – stay vigilant, eliminate the minor lapses, and the Three Lions can turn their favourite status into a win.