The Norway striker could not resist sending a cheeky message to the former England captain after Norway stunned Brazil to reach the last eight of the tournament for the first time in their history. Rooney had previously joked that if Norway made it to the quarter-finals, he would get into the River Mersey and row down it. After Haaland scored twice to help his country pull off that shock result, the promise became impossible to ignore.
Erling Haaland has fired a brutal message to Wayne Rooney(Image: Getty Images)
Speaking ahead of Norway’s huge meeting with England in Miami, Haaland made it clear that he expects Rooney to keep his word. The Manchester City forward laughed that he was looking forward to seeing “Wayney boy” on a rowing trip in Liverpool, turning what began as a throwaway pundit line into one of the funniest subplots of the knockout stage.
Rooney, to his credit, has not tried to escape the challenge. When reminded of the comment, he admitted he was a man of his word and even joked that he was trying to recruit a few familiar faces to join him. Micah Richards was mentioned as a potential rowing partner, while Joe Hart also said he would be willing to take part if the stunt ended up happening in New York instead.
The BBC added to the fun by producing a mocked-up image of Rooney in an England shirt rowing down the Mersey with the Liverpool skyline behind him. Even Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram joined in, suggesting Rooney could swap the rowing boat for the captain’s chair on a new Mersey Ferry.
The joke fits perfectly with Norway’s viral celebration at this World Cup. After their victories, the players and supporters have performed a rowing-style routine, with one player beating a drum while the rest pretend to pull oars in time. It has become one of the most recognisable celebrations of the tournament, and Rooney’s original bet was inspired by that exact routine.
Yet underneath the humour, England know the threat is very real. Haaland arrives in the quarter-final full of confidence after his decisive display against Brazil. Norway are riding a historic wave of momentum, and their belief has grown with every round. For a country that had never previously gone this far at a major tournament, Saturday’s clash represents a chance to make even more history.
Rooney’s bet was inspired by Norway’s iconic rowing celebration(Image: Getty Images)
England, meanwhile, will be desperate to make sure Norway do not get another opportunity to perform their rowing celebration. Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the quarter-finals after a dramatic win over Mexico, but they are dealing with problems of their own, including suspension and injury concerns. With a place in the semi-finals on the line, the match already carries huge pressure even before the Haaland-Rooney banter is added to the mix.
The winner in Miami will move on to a semi-final in Atlanta, where either Argentina or Switzerland will be waiting. For England, it is another step toward the dream of becoming world champions. For Norway, it is a chance to continue one of the great stories of the tournament.
And for Rooney, there may now be another reason to hope England stop Haaland. If Norway keep winning, the former Three Lions hero may have to pick up those oars after all.
