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There have been several occasions at Norway’s World Cup training base in North Carolina when Erling Haaland has spotted children playing football nearby, often wearing World Cup or Manchester City jerseys. They clearly recognised who he was, though perhaps not realising he was standing right there. Haaland would then casually kick a ball back to them, much to the children’s delight. Some joked the kids showed better awareness than Gabriel, who had been outjumped by his Premier League rival for Norway’s opening goal against Brazil.

These two moments perfectly encapsulate Haaland’s World Cup campaign so far — carefree joy off the field, ruthless precision on it.

England’s players have already sensed a change in their preparation. Until now, Thomas Tuchel’s tactical briefings had centred on ensuring Harry Kane inflicted maximum damage. This time, the attention has shifted to stopping Haaland from doing the same.

This adjustment is vital, especially since England’s tournament has followed a pattern — Kane or Jude Bellingham scoring twice, while the defence remains prone to conceding just as many.

Tuchel’s defensive unit has been stretched repeatedly, and few players in world football exploit space as effectively as Haaland. It’s the essence of his game.

The threat is magnified by the fact that Haaland, aged 25, is the first true global superstar England have encountered in this World Cup. There’s an argument that he is the gravitational centre of this quarter-final.

England might be the stronger side overall, but their entire setup must now adapt to Haaland, while he remains the focal point of everything Norway does.

Interestingly, Haaland’s influence often comes without the ball. As one Premier League coach explained, “He’s not the sort who’ll just pick it up, nutmeg you, and curl it into the top corner,” unlike Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappe.

While those players threaten by doing everything, Haaland’s menace lies in appearing to do nothing — until it’s too late. His header against Brazil was a masterclass in timing: strolling casually, then suddenly surging forward to strike. It was pure instinct meets calculation.

Haaland’s imposing six-foot-four frame — something that has stood out amid American debates over “athleticism” — only adds to his mystique. His devastating impact often comes from moments when he seems invisible.

In that sense, he’s reminiscent of Gerd Muller — the five-foot-nine poacher whose quiet efficiency masked lethal precision. England’s defenders — John Stones, Marc Guehi, and Bellingham among them — know this well, having all faced or played alongside him before.

Tuchel’s challenge is to devise an entirely new defensive blueprint. England are used to facing Haaland surrounded by elite teammates. In Norway’s setup, apart from close friend Martin Odegaard, Haaland stands alone as the marquee talent.

This dynamic adds another layer to his World Cup story. Haaland is one of the few stars performing at a level far above most of his teammates. Normally, as seen with Gareth Bale for Wales or Hristo Stoichkov for Bulgaria, such players need to elevate their game. Haaland’s brilliance instead demands that his teammates raise theirs.

That fits seamlessly into the culture of this Norway side, which Haaland has fully embraced. “He could easily act like a selfish superstar,” said one team insider. “He’s that good, that famous.” Some World Cup delegations have complained about the diva-like demands of their marquee players, but Haaland is the opposite — grounded, humorous, and self-deprecating.

One recent clip showed his teammates teasing him over his deli order, to which Haaland responded with a deadpan quip about scoring all their goals. It was all in good humour, reinforcing his easygoing nature.

Whether joking with a local elderly woman or playfully pretending the team’s media officer was the “real star,” Haaland has not only charmed the Greensboro community but also captivated the global audience.

He’s the lovable goof off the pitch and the nightmare opponent on it. Among his teammates, he’s simply “one of the lads,” a fact that has resonated even across American sports culture.

Haaland embodies Norway’s sporting philosophy of idrettsglede — the joy of sport. This ethos focuses not on producing winners at any cost, but on nurturing teamwork, health, and happiness — with victory as a natural outcome. Yet, from this ethos has emerged one of the most clinical strikers in world football.

Despite his fame, Haaland remains humble and connected to his roots. Team staff often remark how his mischievous personality keeps the squad feeling like “a bunch of friends on a youth tour,” even as he trains with fierce intensity.

After Norway’s win over Brazil, Haaland spoke passionately about inspiring children to dream of representing their country — a message especially powerful in a nation where young players traditionally idolised big English clubs rather than the national team.

Of course, everyone remains acutely aware of Haaland’s stature. Teammates seek his advice, and they gave him a standing ovation after that memorable Brazil victory. He thrives on that responsibility — leading by example and stepping up when it matters most.

Tuchel now faces the unenviable task of stopping him. As one coach noted, “You can’t completely shut him down. He’ll always get into positions and take shots — you just have to make sure those shots are under pressure.”

England’s plan therefore revolves around cutting off his supply lines. Yet Haaland’s mere presence can warp defences. Players panic, double-mark him, and in doing so, leave space elsewhere. That’s exactly how Norway created their decisive goal against Brazil — using wide triangles to draw defenders out, allowing Haaland to burst through.

The return of Reece James could prove crucial for England, offering the defensive steel they’ll need. Tuchel may also turn to Stones, who knows Haaland’s movements inside out.

But even with perfect preparation, Haaland remains the ultimate wildcard. One bounce, one run, and he’s through.

Off the pitch, he’s modest and approachable. On it, he exudes icy confidence. His composed celebration against Brazil said everything — no wild emotion, just quiet certainty, as if scoring was inevitable.

Or, as one of his teammates put it bluntly: “Don’t mess with Norway.”

That’s when Haaland seems happiest — leading his nation with a grin, yet striking fear into every opponent he faces.