England enter their World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday carrying again the burden of six decades of waiting since their only title in 1966, while Norway arrive 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 their history, and in their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.

Although England seem more experienced in the 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 could work in their favor. Midfielder Christian Thorstvedt said his team 'doesn't have much to lose,' while Haaland tried to increase the pressure on the England team.

Harry Kane protests a decision by 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 favorites 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 England squad 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 performed brilliantly defensively so far.'

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

In contrast, England also showed 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 a red card, leaving head coach Thomas Tuchel facing a crisis in defensive options, especially at right-back.

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

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