England enters the World Cup quarter-final match against Norway on Saturday, once again carrying the burden of six decades of waiting since its only title in 1966, while the Norwegian team arrives with great confidence led by Erling Haaland, one of the tournament's standout stars.

Haaland has scored seven goals so far, including two in the 2-1 win over Brazil in the round of 16, leading Norway to the quarter-finals for the first time in its history, and in its first World Cup appearance in 28 years.

Although England appears more experienced in crucial stages, having reached at least the quarter-finals in three World Cups and two European Championships in the last eight years, the pressure remains ever-present due to the fans' wait for a new world title since 1966.

Norway is aware that this pressure may serve them. Midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt said his team 'does not have much to lose,' while Haaland tried to increase the pressure on the English national team.

Harry Kane protests against the decision of Iranian referee Alireza Faghani during the England vs Mexico match (Reuters)

The 25-year-old striker, born in England, said smiling to journalists: 'I think there are clear candidates to win, and England is one of them, so I think you should all put as much pressure as possible on the English players.'

England players know Haaland well after four years he spent in the English Premier League, and the English team includes five of his current and former teammates at Manchester City.

Defender John Stones said: 'We will treat them with the same respect we show any opponent. We know their abilities, especially with Erling, but we have put in a great defensive performance so far.'

But Norway's success has not been based solely on Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, but also on the strength of cohesion within the group. Midfielder Morten Thorsby said: 'There is very little negative energy within the group. We have been together for a long time, and we spend very enjoyable times together.'

In contrast, England also showed a strong team spirit when they beat Mexico with ten men in the round of 16, a victory many described as one of their best in the World Cup.

But that victory came at a cost, as Jarrell Quansah was suspended for two matches due to the red card, leaving coach Thomas Tuchel with a crisis in defensive options, particularly at right-back.

England relies offensively on Harry Kane, who has scored six goals in the tournament, alongside the brilliance of Jude Bellingham in midfield.

Thorstvedt said about England: 'They have a good team, but we have players capable of deciding in important moments. That is the essence of football at the highest levels. When two good teams meet, the match is often balanced, and those moments are what decide the result.'