Key Takeaways
- Erling Haaland poses a significant threat to England's World Cup hopes.
- England midfielder Morgan Rogers emphasizes the need for team effort against Haaland.
- Experienced player Jordan Henderson returns to the squad after injury.
England faces a formidable challenge in their upcoming match against Norway, with Erling Haaland standing as one of the world's most feared strikers. The Manchester City forward has already netted seven goals in the World Cup and is known for his combination of power, pace, and finishing ability.
Morgan Rogers, an England midfielder, acknowledged the difficulty of containing Haaland during a press conference on Wednesday. 'Has anyone ever stopped Erling Haaland? Not sure they have, but we’re gonna try,' he said. 'He’s such an unbelievable player, the things he does, the numbers he puts up, you just know how good he is that we’re gonna have to maybe try and … stop how the balls go into him and how he gets his chances, because he’s so deadly in front of the goal.'
Rogers' Aston Villa team has managed to hold Haaland goalless during City's last four visits to Villa Park. However, Rogers attributed this success more to luck than strategy, emphasizing that other Norwegian players with English clubs, such as Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, also pose significant threats.
England's squad returned to their base in Kansas City on Monday morning after a dramatic 10-man victory over Mexico in the last 16. The team was left exhausted from the match and Rogers highlighted the importance of continuing to improve: 'That was the message today with our first training session back, is that we go for it again, we go and get more, and we can still improve and get better.'
The squad received a boost when experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson returned to camp after undergoing surgery on an arm injury sustained during post-game celebrations in Mexico City. 'That just shows exactly what he’s like as a person,' Rogers said. 'To see him this morning, smiling, and still as happy as he ever is, no matter what’s happened to him in the last 48 hours or whatnot, is so nice for us. He’s kind of the heartbeat of the group.'
A new tradition has emerged among England fans at the World Cup, with supporters and players singing Oasis' 'Wonderwall' after matches. Rogers joked about this tradition: 'Don’t think you’re English if you don’t know the lyrics,' he said. 'It’s such a known song, everyone has to know the lyrics of that. If not, you better learn them quick.'
Has anyone ever stopped Erling Haaland? Not sure they have, but we’re gonna try.
Morgan Rogers, England midfielder
That just shows exactly what he’s like as a person. To see him this morning, smiling, and still as happy as he ever is, no matter what’s happened to him in the last 48 hours or whatnot, is so nice for us.
Morgan Rogers, England midfielder
