World Cup 2026: Why Haaland Was Substituted Against England —Norway Head Coach

Norway boss Stale Solbakken has revealed he was forced to take off Erling Haaland during the 2-1 defeat to England due to fitness issues.

Solbakken’s decision would have led to relief across the country, as the Three Lions were freed of the constant danger of Haaland.

Of course, taking off Norway’s all-time top goalscorer and record-breaking machine came as a huge shock to all.

Haaland has been a standout player at the global tournament in North America – firing in on seven occasions.

But the Manchester City superstar was hauled off in extra-time at the start of the second half with Norway chasing a late equaliser.

And Solbakken has now explained why he had to make the change, with Crystal Palace’s Jorgen Strand Larsen replacing him.

He said post-match (via talkSPORT): “It was not a tough decision to take him out, because he was finished.

“Maybe I should have taken him out ten minutes before.

“Obviously, he has had a tremendous World Cup, he used all his energy and power game after game after game.

“I think that he also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue.

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“But he did everything that he could, I think he was a bit unlucky in a couple of situations.

“But he scored seven goals in five games for us, he had a fantastic World Cup.”

With Norway’s biggest goal threat watching on from the dugout in the closing stages, England held on for the win – despite Thomas Tuchel not being best pleased with the showing.

England were forced to come from behind in Miami following Andreas Schjelderup’s 36th minute opener, with Jude Bellingham equalising on the stroke of half-time.

And the Real Madrid midfielder then fired home three minutes into extra-time to send England into just their fourth World Cup semi-final.