Former Norway star John Arne Riise has recalled the infamous 1981 commentary line when his side defeated England – and hopes his country can give Thomas Tuchel’s team “one hell of a beating” in their World Cup 2026 quarter-final on Saturday (10pm kick-off UK time).
Former Liverpool left-back Riise also claimed that England are coming up against the best striker in the world in Erling Haaland, though he anticipates that France’s Kylian Mbappé will win the race for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot.
While he wishes England well at most tournaments, he is delighted that he can support Norway and has no sense of split loyalties this weekend.
Riise caught up with BestBettingSites before jetting off to Miami to watch Saturday’s epic quarter-final clash between England and Norway.
Haaland simply the best
During an exclusive chat, Riise discussed the threat of Haaland, saying: “When it comes to what a striker needs to do, Erling Haaland is the best striker in the world.
“I love his goals, his power and how professional he is.
“But I also love the way he acts as a human being – he’s always smiling and enjoying it.
“He can fight with opponents like [Arsenal and Brazil defender] Gabriel on the pitch, but he has so much respect for them at the same time.
“He’s not being an idiot out there; he just does his job during the game and shows total respect afterward.
“There are many good forwards around, but he is the best striker in the world at the moment.”
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Love for English football
Riise admits he is an England fan, having enjoyed a successful career in the Premier League, and stated: “I’m always an England fan in every tournament because Norway hasn’t been there.
“But this time, there’s no doubt. I love English football, I love the English players and I love everything English football has done for Norwegian football.
“I spent 10 years in English football myself.
“But I’m going to the game this Saturday and I’m so excited because it’s just going to be an unbelievable match on the pitch, but also in the stands, because the Norwegian fans and English fans are going to have a great time together.”
Unbelievable experience for Norway
One of the best sights of the World Cup so far has been the rowing craze between Norway’s players and fans.
Riise added: “I haven’t done it yet because I’ve been watching the games in a quiet area – it’s been completely mad. But I have to do it now in the stands.
“I’m probably going to be sitting with other legends there, and when they do the rowing, I’m joining in.
“I mean, I have to, because I’ve never been to a World Cup either as a fan or a player.
“Seeing how this World Cup has been for Norwegian fans is unbelievable, and I want to participate, support them and give my best to help the team.
“Hopefully, we can give England one hell of a beating.”
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Mbappé winning Golden Boot
Mbappé scored for France in their win over Morocco and the France star is in a race with Haaland, England captain Harry Kane and Argentina’s Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot.
Riise said: “It depends on who goes the furthest in the tournament. I think it’s going to be between Messi, Mbappé and Haaland.
“I don’t think Harry Kane will quite get up there, even if England go all the way.
“I want Haaland to win it for sure, because that means he scores a lot of goals against England on Saturday and we progress further in the World Cup.
“But realistically, I think Mbappé is going to take it, even though I’d prefer Haaland or Messi.”
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Michael Davey