SportFootballWayne RooneyWayne Rooney has made himself look slightly silly ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway with striker Erling Haaland having called out the Three Lions icon10:41, 09 Jul 2026Erling Haaland has not let Wayne Rooney forget about his rowing trip ahead of England’s World Cup quarter final with Norway. The Three Lions legend famously bet to row down the River Mersey should the Scandinavian side get past Brazil in the round of 16.He said: “If Norway get to the quarter-finals, I’ll go in the River Mersey and row down it.”And they did exactly that, with two goals from Haaland seeing Norway progress and reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history. And their star man has now made sure to remind Rooney of his promise.Speaking ahead of Saturday’s quarter final, he said: “I’m looking forward to seeing Wayne, Wayney boy. I’m looking forward to seeing Wayne Rooney rowing down in Liverpool. That’s all I want to see now. Wayne Rooney, I expect you to go out on a rowing trip.”Meanwhile, Rooney also discussed his bet a few days after Norway’s shock win and claimed that he was attempting to get a few colleagues to join in. After being reminded by host Kelly Cates, he said: “Was that me?”Rooney added: “I’m a man of my word. Micah [Richards] has agreed to do it with me.“We’re a team. The only thing I’ll say is, because we’ve got a lot on, it might have to be the Hudson River when we’re in New York. If the BBC can sort that.”Fellow pundit Joe Hart then claimed that he would be up for rowing alongside Rooney as he said: “I’ll do the Hudson with you.”Rooney’s embarrassment didn’t quite end there. BBC Sport then mocked up a graphic of the former forward in an England shirt rowing down the Mersey with the Liverpool skyline visible behind him alongside the caption: “Over to you.”Despite Rooney’s promise, it appears that Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has a slightly different idea for him to complete his forfeit.He said: “How about this instead, we can sort out a rowing boat OR in a couple of months’ time, we’ll launch our brand new £26m Mersey Ferry. Fancy swapping oars for the captain’s chair?”Rooney’s initial bet was inspired by Norway’s viral post-match rowing celebration at the World Cup. One player plays a drum in unison with fans and players pretending to row.England fans will certainly hope that they are unable to perform the celebration after Saturday’s game in Miami. The victor of that game will head into a semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta where they will meet either Switzerland or Argentina.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Joe HartWayne RooneyEngland football teamErling Braut HaalandWorld Cup 2026Norway
Erling Haaland sends message to Wayne Rooney after Norway bet leaves egg on face
Wayne Rooney has made himself look slightly silly ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway with striker Erling Haaland having called out the Three Lions icon












