Erling Haaland opting to play for England was not a realistic option after he was “tied up” by Norway, according to Gareth Southgate, despite the Borussia Dortmund striker’s dual nationality.
Haaland was born in Leeds shortly after his father Alf-Inge had left Elland Road to join Manchester City in the summer of 2000.
The Haaland family spent the next three years in England, moving to the Norwegian city of Bryne following Alf-Inge’s retirement through injury.
The 19-year-old has followed in father’s footsteps at international level and made his debut for Norway last September, having won caps at youth level from the Under-15s upwards. (Independent)