Three Lions should have got hotshot says King

ENGLAND should be heading to the Qatar World Cup finals with a dream striking partnership – Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.

Norway-based Bryan King was Everton’s Scandinavian scout when he recommended a 15-year-old Haaland to the Toffees – and believes England missed out on the Norwegian ace as well.

After seeing Haaland, now 21, complete his £51million move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City, former Millwall goalkeeper King believes the Three Lions should have nipped in ahead of Norway to secure the forward’s talents.

King said: “Erling was born in Leeds and grew up as a Manchester City fan through his dad Alf-inge.

“He was qualified to play for England. Yes, Norway were on his

case from an early age but there would still have been time for England to have made a move before he had played a competitive international.

“Norway, where he moved to when he was three, was probably always going to be his choice, but you don’t know until you ask.

“Could you imagine him and Kane up front for England? The pair of them would have created carnage. Two players born to score goals. An incredible pairing giving England an even better chance of winning the World Cup.”

King, 75, reflected on Everton failing to back his call on the young Haaland and added: “We could have had him for a compensation fee of £60,000 – but that’s in the past now.

“He’s a fantastic addition to the City armoury. I think with the father’s background he was destined to end up there eventually – though I can’t understand how Manchester United have missed Haaland in previous years, with him being at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s club Molde.

“Haaland’s pace and power are exceptional. His record in Germany is phenomenal.”