Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, has come out in support of his friend and former Borussia Dortmund teammate, Jude Bellingham, after the England midfielder's match-winning performance in the World Cup. Haaland, who was originally a fan of the Three Lions, now wants England to win the tournament, citing his own country's lack of success as a reason for his support.
Haaland, 25, praised Bellingham's brace in the match, saying that it was the perfect response to any doubts over his goalscoring numbers. He also noted that Bellingham's ability to dribble past every player on the field is what makes him one of the best in the world. Haaland's support for Bellingham comes after the midfielder took his manager, Thomas Tuchel, to task over his criticism of the team's 'lucky' victory.
Haaland's own career has been on the rise, with a 64-game, 58-goal season under his belt. However, he was withdrawn at half-time in extra-time due to a dead leg and fatigue in the intense, humid Miami heat. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the future, saying that he is 'completely finished' and ready for a well-earned break.
Haaland's support for England is not surprising, given his own history with the team. He was born in Leeds in 2000, the summer his father, Alf-Inge, swapped Elland Road for Manchester City. Haaland also has a few City lads in the England squad, which may have influenced his decision to support the team.
In conclusion, Haaland's support for Bellingham and his own country's team is a testament to his loyalty and friendship. His optimism for England's future success is a refreshing take on the tournament, and his own career achievements make him a valuable asset to any team. With his feet up and a well-earned break, Haaland is ready to enjoy the rest of the tournament and the memories it will create.