Harry Kane Gets Honest About Erling Haaland Before England-Norway Clash
Two of soccer‘s top stars are set to meet on the pitch in what could be an entertaining clash, as England and Norway will face off to determine which team advances to the World Cup semifinals.
Harry Kane has become well-known as one of England’s all-time greats. At this year’s World Cup, he’s scored six goals and also has one assist, after logging over 444 minutes on the field. That’s helped England advance to the quarterfinal after wins over DR Congo and Mexico.
On the opposing side is Erling Haaland, whose popularity rose with the event occurring in the United States. Norway’s skilled star is right there in the Golden Boot race with seven goals, only behind Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi’s eight.
When recently asked who the better striker is between himself and Haaland, Kane said it was “an impossible one” for him to answer.
“First of all, I think we’re completely different players. I know we’re both seen as strikers, but almost two different positions if I’m totally honest. Erling has been incredible, with his goal-scoring record. Physically, he’s a machine, he’s a beast. His finishing is at the highest level, and obviously his goal-scoring record speaks for itself,” Kane told reporters.
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Kane said he sees himself as a “completely different player,” preferring to touch the ball “maybe a little bit more” and get involved in plays a bit more than Haaland.
“I respect him a lot as a player, as a fellow professional. Obviously hoping he has a quiet day,” Kane joked.
The 6-foot-5 Haaland made his World Cup debut this year, and it’s been quite remarkable. He scored two goals in a surprising 2-1 upset over Brazil and a late-game goal against the Ivory Coast to help his team advance.
A goal or two more to help Norway reach the semifinals would put him right into the Golden Boot contenders with Messi and Mbappe.
On Saturday, he’ll face perhaps his toughest test yet in the 32-year-old Harry Kane and England. This is Kane’s third World Cup, having debuted back in 2018, and he’s seeking a return to the semifinals, as England reached that stage in 2018, only to lose 2-1 to Croatia.
England reached the quarterfinals in 2022 but was bested by Mbappe and France, so this will be a chance for Kane to bring his team back to the semis with a potential clash against Argentina and Messi looming.
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This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 9:21 AM.