Erling Haaland may have seen Norway’s World Cup journey come to an end, but the Manchester City striker has made it clear who he’ll be cheering for next—and it starts with his close friend Jude Bellingham.

Following England’s dramatic comeback victory over Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, Haaland was full of praise for the Real Madrid midfielder, who scored both goals to send the Three Lions into a semifinal showdown with Argentina in Atlanta.

While Haaland was held scoreless in a World Cup match for the first time, Bellingham stole the spotlight with a match-winning brace. After the final whistle, the longtime friends shared a warm embrace, continuing the close bond they built during their two seasons together at Borussia Dortmund.

Reflecting on Bellingham’s performance, Haaland said he never doubted his former teammate.

“Jude is a good friend. We had two good years together in Dortmund, we keep in touch and he’s such a good guy. We had so much fun together.“

He added that Bellingham deserves far more appreciation than criticism.

“I’m not surprised that he scored two goals and performs the way he does.“

Haaland also pushed back against recent criticism aimed at Bellingham’s goal output.

“The only thing is that sometimes he gets a bit too much criticism because he doesn’t score enough goals or whatever. He doesn’t deserve that because he’s one of the best in the world and he’s a midfielder who still scores goals and still managed to dribble past every single player on the field.“

The Norwegian star concluded with glowing praise.

“So it’s just praise for Jude. He’s unbelievable. England and Real Madrid are lucky because everybody would want a Jude in their team.“

Haaland also admitted he has a soft spot for England, revealing he actually owned an England shirt before ever wearing one from his native Norway.

Born in Leeds in 2000, while his father Alf-Inge Haaland was playing in England, the striker said the country has always held a special place in his heart.

Asked whether he now wants England to lift the World Cup trophy, Haaland didn’t hesitate.

“Yeah, why not?“

He explained that several of his Manchester City teammates remain involved in the tournament.

“I have a few City lads in the England squad, one in France’s and one in Spain’s. Of course, I want England to do well because it’s a nice country and it’s a nice shirt. I got an England jersey before I got a Norway jersey when I was young.“

Although Norway’s historic run ended in the quarter-finals, Haaland said he leaves the tournament with pride after an unforgettable campaign.

After playing 64 matches and scoring 58 goals across all competitions this season, the striker admitted he’s finally ready for a well-earned break after being substituted during extra time because of a dead leg and fatigue in the humid Miami conditions.

“I’m quite happy with my life, I’m enjoying it, I’m in a good place. But I’m completely finished now.“

Looking back on Norway’s remarkable tournament, Haaland said the memories will stay with him forever.

“It’s the coolest six weeks I’ve had maybe in my entire life. It has been completely surreal. These are memories for life, it’s the most fun thing I’ve ever been a part of.“

Beyond the football, he believes Norway achieved something even bigger.

“I hope it has created a togetherness in the country. We should be proud. The performances are one thing, beating Brazil is one thing, but the way we put Norway on the map—with the good people we are—is the one thing that touches me the most.”

Source: Various Sources.