Ahead of their quarter-final against Norway on Saturday, much of England’s homework will be centered around one thing — stopping Erling Haaland.
It’s a tall order. The striker has seven goals in four games at this World Cup, and 62 in 54 international appearances overall. He may well be the most clinical No.9 on the planet.
That claim has been doing the rounds all week, but when Djed Spence was asked about it, he made it clear that England have the same level of weapon at their disposal with Harry Kane.
England fans all in agreement with Djed Spence in the Haaland/Kane debate
Haaland’s tournament has been elite, but over the last 12 months, there has been little debate as to who is the best striker in the world.
When asked if he has seen anything like Haaland’s finishing, Spence kept it short and to the point.
He replied: ““Yeah, Harry Kane.”
It was instant, deadpan, and absolutely correct. When the quotes emerged, fans on X were quick to back the Spurs star in his assessment.
One fan’s response made it clear how they expect this quarter-final to go. They wrote: “People be like England need to watch out for Haaland, no it’s Norway who needs to watch out for Harry Kane (and Bellingham).”
Another put the argument in a few more words than Spence, saying: “That’s not even a controversial answer. Haaland is an incredible goalscorer, but Harry Kane has been one of the most complete and clinical finishers in world football for over a decade.”
This fan thought it was: “One of the coldest replies I’ve ever seen.” Not quite sure about that. It was just his captain’s name, and the backing should be expected.
But fans were happy with how quickly Spence put forward Kane’s case, with one remarking: “Spence didn’t even hesitate for a sec. Straight facts tho, Kane’s finishing is generational.”
The England star was lights out for Bayern this season. He has scored a career-high 73 goals for club and country — an obscene number that dwarfs Haaland’s output. But it’s not just the goals, according to many England fans.
As one supporter puts it: “Kane is a more complete striker than Haaland is, Kane’s overall game is more complete and he is more self-sufficient than Haaland.”
In a similar vein: “Haaland gets just a slight edge in finishing. Kane gets a massive edge in everything else.”
It’s true. Haaland doesn’t have the all-around attributes of a Kane. If, however, we’re talking about the number one job for a striker — scoring goals — then it really could swing either way.
There were some instances of Haaland support. Mild from this fan, who posted: “No disrespect to Haaland, but Kane belongs in every elite finisher conversation….”
And a complete opposition to the claim from this Haaland fan: “Nothing cold here at all, Haaland is much better.”
The comparison is so interesting because they are so different. Perhaps the best way to get across how close it is could be saying… Man City would not trade Haaland for Kane. And at least for now, Bayern wouldn’t do that trade either.
Perhaps the best way to settle such a debate is on the pitch. Well, that opportunity will be presented to the superstar strikers on Saturday.
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