There were literal noises of shock on the ITV coverage of England vs Norway when Erling Haaland was substituted in exta-time. This proved to be his final involvement at the World Cup, with the Three Lions winning 2-1.
Jude Bellingham very much stole the show as he scored a brace after Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway an early lead. Haaland had scored seven goals, including twice in the Last 16 against Brazil, but failed to get on the scoresheet against England.
In truth, he struggled to get involved throughout the game as Thomas Tuchel's men dealt with his threat well. Even so, many were surpoised when manager Stale Solbakken took Haaland off during half-time of extra time, with 15 minutes to go and his team losing.
The Norway coach later explained the decision: "It was not a tough decision to take him out. He was finished. Maybe I should have taken him out 10 minutes before. "He also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue. He did everything he could."
However, a theory has emerged about the true reason Haaland was hooked, which has forced a staff doctor to comment on the claims.
via REUTERS/Dylan Martinez Related
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Tony Cascarino Claims He Was Told Haaland 'Wasn't Well'
Erling Haaland and Harry Kane after Norway 1-2 EnglandREUTERS/Mike Segar
Former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino told TalkSport that he had been told at half-time that Haaland was actually sick. England midfielder Declan Rice came off early due to his own illness, and Cascarino claimed a simiailr issue impacted the Norway star:
"No, I was told last night, I got a message at half-time that apparently Erling Haaland wasn't well. He was another one who was suffering from a sickness. So, obviously the manager has alluded to it saying fitness issues, and he clearly didn't look right.
"Whatever we say, he didn't look right physically. He's come off, and he didn't say an injury. So I presume it was exactly what I just said. He suffered from not being well."
He added: "He was unwell, yeah. He was unwell prior to the game. He doesn't touch the ball a lot anyway but I was surprised about how much energy he lacked as well.
"Him and [Alexander] Sorloth both looked like they didn't have the sort of drive and he looked absolutely… I just looked at him afterwards and thought, well, what I'd heard in half-time - I'm saying I know it from somebody who would know that - he was meant to be [sick], he wasn't well."
Norway Doctor Addresses Haaland Sickness Claims
Erling HaalandREUTERS/Dylan Martinez
In light of this theory emerging online, Norway's national team doctor Ola Sand has addressed the claims. However, when asked by Norwegian outlet Dagbladet if Haaland was sick, he replieed:
Adding to this statement, Haaland was certainly well enough to then go out with his teammates in Miami as they were seen in a nightclub watching rapper Flo Rida perform. This suggests he wasn't suffering from any bad illness.
The Manchester City ace is now set to take a break before heading back for pre-season. Speaking to Dagbladet, he said: "I'm completely done. I'll be completely honest." The report notes that Norway plan to hold a party at the national palace this week as they celebrate their World Cup efforts.