The report says Ezri Konsa has faced Haaland five times in the Premier League, with the Norwegian scoring only once. That goal came in their first meeting in 2022.
The more important detail is collective: Manchester City lost the last three matches in which Haaland and Konsa were both involved. Konsa’s pace and ability to defend space could make him the most natural option when Haaland attacks the channel between centre-back and full-back.
England cannot rely on a single matchup, however. Haaland’s movement is designed to create uncertainty, and the nearest defender will need midfield protection before the striker receives the ball.
Dan Burn also has a relatively favourable direct record. Haaland has scored once in their shared club appearances, although Newcastle United have lost six, drawn two and won none of the eight meetings involving both players.
Marc Guehi presents the biggest statistical warning. Haaland has scored seven goals in seven games against him for their clubs. The exception came in the 2025 FA Cup final, when Crystal Palace beat City 1-0 and Guehi kept Haaland scoreless.
That result offers England a blueprint: compact spacing, aggressive support around the box and no cheap turnovers in central areas.
John Stones faced Haaland when the striker played for Borussia Dortmund. Haaland did not score across the two meetings, while City won both games 2-1 in the 2021 Champions League quarter-finals.
The current threat is greater. The report says Haaland scored twice against Brazil, exposing the risks faced by Gabriel and Marquinhos. England’s next storyline will be whether its defensive structure can prevent isolated duels before the quarter-final turns into a contest decided by one Haaland run.