Norway boss explains decision to take off Erling Haaland despite needing late goal against England

Norway boss Stale Solbakken has revealed he was forced to take off Erling Haaland during the 2-1 defeat to England due to fitness issues.

Solbakken’s decision would have led to relief across the country, as the Three Lions were freed of the constant danger of Haaland.

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Of course, taking off Norway‘s all-time top goalscorer and record-breaking machine came as a huge shock to all.

Haaland has been a standout player at the global tournament in North America – firing in on seven occasions.

But the Manchester City superstar was hauled off in extra-time at the start of the second half with Norway chasing a late equaliser.

And Solbakken has now explained why he had to make the change, with Crystal Palace‘s Jorgen Strand Larsen replacing him.

What did Solbakken say about taking off Haaland?

He said post-match: “It was not a tough decision to take him out, because he was finished.

“Maybe I should have taken him out ten minutes before.

“Obviously, he has had a tremendous World Cup, he used all his energy and power game after game after game.

“I think that he also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue.

“But he did everything that he could, I think he was a bit unlucky in a couple of situations.

“But he scored seven goals in five games for us, he had a fantastic World Cup.”

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With Norway’s biggest goal threat watching on from the dugout in the closing stages, England held on for the win – despite Thomas Tuchel not being best pleased with the showing.

England were forced to come from behind in Miami following Andreas Schjelderup’s 36th minute opener, with Jude Bellingham equalising on the stroke of half-time.

And the Real Madrid midfielder then fired home three minutes into extra-time to send England into just their fourth World Cup semi-final.

‘That’s life’

As well as addressing his decision to take Haaland off in Miami, Solbakken reviewed Norway’s World Cup elimination.

It was the nation’s first-ever quarter-final in the tournament, but it ended in heartbreak with the extra-time defeat.

“I feel so sorry for the boys,” he said. “This is football at the highest level – it gives you the greatest highs and the deepest lows, depending on which side you’re on.

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“We were on the happy side against Brazil, but not today.

“After a difficult opening 20 minutes, we produced a heroic performance in every possible way. I can’t blame the players or ask for anything more than what they gave.”

The Norway boss went on to add: “We lacked a bit of luck, but that’s life. Right now, we need to catch our breath.

“We’ve spent six and a half weeks together as one family, and I’m proud that we lived up to expectations and took another step forward at this World Cup.

“As for the Erling Haaland incident, there were several moments that didn’t go our way today, but that’s football, in the end, we wish England all the best.”