England enters the World Cup quarter-final match against Norway on Saturday, carrying again the burden of six decades of waiting since its only title in 1966, while the Norwegian national team arrives with great confidence led by Erling Haaland, one of the tournament's top 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 seems more experienced in decisive 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 knows that this pressure may serve them. Midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt said his team 'doesn't have much to lose,' while Haaland tried to increase pressure on the English national team.

Harry Kane protests against Iranian referee Alireza Faghani's decision during the England-Mexico match (Reuters)

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

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

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 delivered a great defensive performance so far.'

But Norway's success was not based only 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 collective spirit when they overcame Mexico with ten men in the round of 16, in a win many described as one of their best in the World Cup.

But that victory came at a price, as Jarrell Quansah was suspended for two matches due to the red card, putting coach Thomas Tuchel in a defensive selection crisis, especially at the right-back position.

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

Thorstvedt said about England: 'They have a good team, but we have players capable of making the difference in crucial moments. And that is the essence of football at the highest levels. When two good teams meet, the match is often evenly matched, and those moments decide the result.'