World Cup: Guéhi relishes Haaland battle ahead of England vs Norway clash

England defender Marc Guéhi is looking forward to facing his Manchester City teammate Erling Haaland when the Three Lions take on Norway in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, describing the showdown as “fun.”

Guéhi, alongside fellow City defender Nico O’Reilly, helped England secure a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Mexico in the Round of 16, a result widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest World Cup wins.

Read Also: England oust Mexico to set up Norway World Cup quarter-final cracker

Thomas Tuchel’s side will now face Norway in Miami on Saturday, July 11, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

The quarter-final will see Guéhi and O’Reilly come up against club teammate Haaland, who has enjoyed a sensational tournament, scoring seven goals, including a brace in Norway’s shock 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16. Former Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb is also part of the Norwegian squad.

Speaking ahead of the blockbuster encounter, Guéhi admitted he is excited by the challenge of trying to stop one of the world’s most prolific strikers.

“It’s going to be fun,” Guéhi said on the latest episode of The Lions Den. “I know he (Haaland) will be up for it.

“It’s going to be a challenge. It will be good to see some familiar faces, and we’re going to try our best and get the win.”

O’Reilly, meanwhile, insisted England cannot afford to dwell on their memorable victory over Mexico as they prepare for another stern test.

“To make the quarter-finals is special, a great feeling, but we haven’t really got time to celebrate yet,” O’Reilly said.

“We’ve got another tough game coming, and, obviously, there are still a few more games to be played, but every team’s going to be tough, and we need to be ready.

“The Mexico match was the baffling game I’ve ever played in.

“At the Azteca, the fans were unbelievable, but we got through it, and now we’re in the quarter-finals.”

England’s thrilling win over Mexico captivated millions of fans watching through the night back home, while thousands of travelling supporters packed the Azteca Stadium to witness a dramatic comeback that has already earned its place among the nation’s most memorable World Cup victories.

Now, Tuchel’s men must overcome a Norway side inspired by Haaland if they are to keep their hopes of lifting the World Cup trophy alive.