One of the most fearsome strikers in world football stands between England and a World Cup semi-final place, but the reassuring aspect for Thomas Tuchel's team is that few national teams know Erling Haaland as well as the English players do.

The prolific Norwegian striker has spent the last four years terrorizing Premier League defences in a Manchester City shirt, scoring goals at exceptional rates, making him a familiar opponent for many England players.

Haaland (25) combines physical strength, speed and remarkable efficiency in front of goal, qualities that make him a constant threat. With seven goals in the tournament so far, England knows that giving him any space during Saturday's clash in Miami could be very costly.

When asked how to stop Haaland, England midfielder Morgan Rogers replied with a laugh: "Has anyone ever stopped Erling Haaland? I'm not sure about that, but we'll try."

He added to reporters on Wednesday: "He's truly an amazing player. The numbers and achievements he has speak to his quality. Maybe we have to focus on limiting the balls that reach him and reducing the chances he gets, because he's a killer in front of goal."

Rogers' club Aston Villa have managed to keep Haaland scoreless in Manchester City's last four visits to Villa Park, although the 23-year-old partly attributed that to luck.

He also noted that the Norwegian national team has other dangerous players, such as Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, who can make a difference.

England will enter the match with great confidence after a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico in the round of 16, despite playing most of the game with ten men, in a match that saw one of the best team performances in a World Cup in recent years.

Tired but motivated team

The England squad returned to their base in Kansas City in the early hours of Monday, following a match that Rogers said drained the players physically and mentally.

He said: "The main message in the first training session after returning was that we want to keep winning and progress in the tournament. We can still evolve and improve."

He added: "For many of us, this will be the biggest match we've played, especially in a World Cup and in these circumstances."

Rogers confirmed that the players are happy to have veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson back in camp, after he underwent arm surgery following an injury sustained during post-match celebrations in Mexico City.

He said: "That sums up his character perfectly. Seeing him this morning smiling and with the same spirit we're used to from him, despite everything he's been through in the last 48 hours, is hugely important for us. He's the heartbeat of this group."