What happened to Erling Haaland against England?

It was one of the defining images of Norway’s World Cup quarterfinal against England.

At halftime of extra time, in the 105th minute, with Norway needing a goal to force a penalty shootout, head coach Ståle Solbakken made the surprising decision to substitute Erling Haaland for Jørgen Strand Larsen, taking his biggest star off the field.

Haaland ends up on the bench

The Manchester City striker watched the closing stages of Norway’s World Cup run from the bench, visibly frustrated as his team’s elimination drew closer.

Haaland did not appear to be dealing with any obvious injury, although it remains to be seen whether Solbakken reveals a physical issue after the match or whether the substitution was purely a tactical decision.

The striker finishes the tournament with a remarkable seven goals, ending the World Cup as the leader of what is widely regarded as the best Norway team in the nation’s history.

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