Ex-FIFA ref drops verdict on Erling Haaland goal storm as Norway vs England footage re-analysed

Erling Haaland and Elliot Anderson had an interesting battle, but it was ultimately enough to rule out Norway's goal against England.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that it has been positive to see grappling inside the penalty area punished.

Torbjorn Heggem thought he had regiven Norway the lead on Saturday, 11 July, following goals from Andreas Schjelderup and Jude Bellingham.

His celebrations were cut short, though, as VAR spotted a push from Haaland on Anderson in the penalty area before the corner was taken.

Norway were given the chance to retake the corner, but with nothing coming from it, fans turned to social media to debate the harshness of the decision.

While some believed that Man City's new midfielder bought the foul, others were adamant that Haaland deserved to be punished for a foolish act.

Keith Hackett relieved as Norway goal chalked off

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett praised the referee's decision, comparing the incident to some very frustrating scenes back in the Premier League last season.

"First of all, we have to understand that the law has been changed. In that situation, the referee can call a foul and call a sanction while the ball stationary," he said.

"That's that new law. In England, particularly, we've been conditioned to accept grappling as part of a game, and the game here has attempted to do something about it, but has failed miserably.

"The PGMOL last year said very clearly, 'we're going to clamp down', but we didn't see anything, and grappling continued.

"We've seen, in reality, much harsher incidents of grappling, holding, and pulling, going unpunished. There was a pushing offence; it was a push.

"And I think it was quite refreshing to see a referee sanction it. I don't believe in this sustained push.

"We play with our feet and our head, we don't play with hands and arms. So for me, I think this happening in a World Cup is a is a good thing." 

What are England's chances of winning the World Cup?

Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions are just one of four teams left in the 2026 World Cup, along with Argentina, Spain and France.

According to Opta, though, England have a 22.62 per cent chance of lifting the trophy on Sunday, 19 July, more than their upcoming opponents.

France have the honour of being favourites, wth a 33.58 per cent chance of winning their third World Cup, but Didier Deschamps' side must face Spain next.

The remaining matches will be incredibly interesting, not just for England fans, but football fans all across the globe.