England must cut Haaland’s supply lines, says Rogers

England midfielder Morgan Rogers believes the key to overcoming Norway in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final is preventing star striker Erling Haaland from receiving the ball in dangerous areas rather than attempting to stop him once he is in possession.

Haaland has scored seven goals in the tournament and has been one of the standout performers and poses England’s biggest threat as Thomas Tuchel’s side aim to reach the semi-finals.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rogers admitted there is no simple solution to containing the prolific Manchester City forward, whose pace, strength and clinical finishing have made him one of the world’s most feared strikers.

“Has anyone ever stopped Erling Haaland? Not sure they have, but we’re going to try,” Rogers said.

The Aston Villa midfielder stressed that England’s focus must be on limiting the service into Haaland rather than engaging him after he receives the ball.

“He’s such an unbelievable player, the things he does, the numbers he puts up, you just know how good he is that we’re gonna have to maybe try and … stop how the balls go into him and how he gets his chances, because he’s so deadly in front of the goal,” he added.

Rogers noted that Villa have managed to keep Haaland scoreless in Manchester City’s last four visits to Villa Park, although he admitted that was not down to any secret formula.

He also warned that Norway captain Martin Odegaard and the rest of the squad should not be underestimated.

England head into the last-eight clash full of confidence after their dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Mexico in the round of 16 despite playing with 10 men for much of the contest.