Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has named England among the favourites to lift the World Cup in Qatar.
Haaland is arguably the biggest name in world football who will not be taking part in the Middle East, as Norway failed to qualify from their group.
The 22-year-old has spoken of his disappointment at not being a part of the showpiece event, which kicks off on Sunday, but believes there are four nations who should be considered favourites.
“Favourites… I think the favourites should be Brazil, Argentina, France and maybe England,” Haaland told the Daily Mail.
“I cannot only say one, because there are so many good teams, so yeah, these four.”
Despite missing out on the World Cup, Haaland hasn’t given up hope of one day reaching a major tournament with Norway.
“I hope I play for Norway and our dream and reality, the biggest thing we can do is to get to either a World Cup or Euros,” he continued.
“That’s, of course, my goal with the national team to do. We know it’s difficult, but hopefully in the future one day I’ll be able to play them.”
Haaland, who has scored 23 goals already this season, will now use the extended break to physically and mentally recharge.
“First of all, I wish I was playing in the World Cup of course,” he added.
“But, that’s reality now. I don’t do.
“I will relax my body and my mind a lot and then I will train. What I will train on? Nothing special.
“I think, it’s been going quite well I think, my first months in City so I don’t need to do so much things, or so many changes to be honest.
“So yeah, it’s about preparing myself for the next half of the season and being ready when the next game kicks in after the break.”
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