England told the secret to stopping Erling Haaland with one key tactical tweak

So far, no team at the World Cup has discovered a formula to stop the seemingly unstoppable Erling Haaland.

Haaland, who is currently the second-highest goalscorer at this summer's tournament, has netted seven goals in four games for Norway, including a second-half brace in their last-16 win over Brazil.

It has been a memorable month for the Norwegians, who are taking part in their first World Cup since 1998, and their talismanic striker continues to provide the goods at every turn.

So, the question remains. How will England stop one of the most in-form players in world football? Well, it's not about stopping Haaland per se, according to former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Friedel believes keeping Martin Odegaard quiet will be key for the Three Lions as they attempt to stifle their attacking threat.

"You can’t just stop Erling Haaland – he doesn’t actually get that many touches in a game – it’s about limiting the service to him," Friedel tells SPORTbible, in association with Tonybet.

"If you allow their wingers and full-backs to get into crossing positions, even the best defenders in the world will have a hard time stopping Haaland jumping and getting to the ball in front of his marker.

"You need to stop the ball arriving to Haaland. Even then, Haaland can create a chance from nothing, he’s so good at that.

"Martin Odegaard is the player in the Norway team that gets the most touches, so you have to limit Odegaard’s involvement. But they are not one dimensional – they have Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb… a lot of threats."

The Haaland x Odegaard partnership has flourished at this summer's World Cup. Image credit: Getty

Odegaard, who misplaced just one of his 53 passes in the first half against Brazil, can control the tempo of a game from midfield if teams allow him time and space.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's game against England, Norway head coach Stale Solbakken was full of praise for the Arsenal captain.

"In our team, he is invaluable," said Solbakken. "He's never been a number 10 with Norway. He's always been a two-way player, being influential in all phases.

"He's always working the hardest, covering ground and sprints. He's the trigger. And he decides if we're playing 4-1-4-1 in defence, or if we're playing 4-4-2."

Jude Bellingham compared to one of the all-time greats ahead of England versus Norway

Norway, meanwhile, will be looking to stop Haaland's former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham, who has been crucial for Thomas Tuchel's side over the past month.

READ MORE: Norway doctor forced to issue statement over player 'sickness' reports ahead of England clash

Friedel believes he is currently operating at a world-class level.

"Jude Bellingham is right up there among the best I’ve seen. In his movements, he reminds me of Zinedine Zidane. Bellingham is also very good technically in tight areas," said the former Liverpool and Blackburn goalkeeper.

"Jude has that capability of playing the No8 and the No10, he tracks back, can make a tackle, is good in the air in both boxes and can make decisive defensive clearances if needed too.

He covers so much of the pitch – in that way I can compare him to Steve Gerrard.

"Let’s see how Bellingham’s career develops, but he’s on a trajectory to lift as many trophies as the likes of Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes or Gerrard."

Brad Friedel was speaking in association with Tonybet. Tonybet’s World Cup Card Collection campaign can see Canadian customers win up to $150,000 CAD.