•Kane, Haaland and Messi
England will lock horns with Norway in a World Cup quarter-final in Miami today, pitting Harry Kane against Erling Haaland in a mouthwatering battle of elite strikers.
The teams are competing to face either reigning champions Argentina or surprise package Switzerland in the semi-finals, reports AFP.
Kane has once again been England’s hero, dragging his teammates through an attritional last-16 meeting with Mexico at the Estadio Azteca that they won 3-2 despite having a man sent off.
The Bayern Munich forward has scored six goals to fire the Three Lions to the quarter-finals.
Haaland appears to have been enjoying himself ever since he touched down in the United States and began smashing in the seven goals that have carried Norway further than ever before.
Their run, which included eliminating Brazil, has been accompanied by their fans’ joyous rowing celebration, turning venues across the US into giant human Viking ships.
“Every game has been the most important (in history) for Norwegian football, especially in the knockout rounds, so this is the third time it is the most important game,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said yesterday.
Kane described 25-year-old Haaland as “a beast” but insisted he and the Manchester City striker had contrasting styles.
“I see myself as a different player, although I score the same goals,” the England captain, 32, said yesterday.
“I like to maybe touch the ball a little bit more, be involved with the play a little bit more, but also can play as maybe the out-and-out number nine.
“I don’t think it’s one to compare ourselves. I respect him a lot as a player and as a professional.”
England were boosted by the return to training on Friday of the influential trio of Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James, who have been dealing with illness and injury.
Coach Thomas Tuchel described their presence as “the best news” and said, “We took a big step in our last match, but it was only a step.
“The next step is to win a quarter-final. The important thing is to look up at what is ahead of us.”
The contest in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium is likely to be a sweaty affair played in temperatures forecast to rise above 40C (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
‘Keep Dreaming’
Argentina made a smooth start to their bid to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.
But since they entered the knockout rounds, frailties have crept in as they were pushed to breaking point by first World Cup debutants Cape Verde and then Egypt.
Lionel Messi, who turned 39 during the group phase, has again been the talisman for the South Americans, his genius repeatedly getting his team out of tight spots.
But there is just a suggestion the Swiss, a well-organised unit marshalled by midfield general Granit Xhaka, could exploit any weariness and cause them problems at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he is very proud of the character his team has shown.
“I would like this national team to be remembered as a team that never gave up,” he said.
The 48-year-old has been especially marked by the support for the team expressed by a young fan.
“We do not play football just for a win,” he said.
“And then when you see those things that come out of our heart, this is just outstanding.
“When you see a 10-year-old saying those things and talking with that passion, and everyone shouting ‘Argentina’, that is just so emotional. And that is the legacy that I want.”
Messi will be bidding to add to the 21 goals — a new record — he has scored across the six World Cups in which he has played.
Xhaka, 33, for his part, said his message to the Swiss fans was a simple one.
“Regarding the fans, keep dreaming. I am a person who always dreams, and dreams can come true,” he said.
“Sometimes you need to do something new. You really need to push your limits if you want to beat Argentina. And I’m convinced my team is ready.”
