Rooney vows to row Hudson River after Norway shock sets up England clash

Wayne Rooney says he intends to honour a wildly confident promise made before the World Cup, after Norway’s stunning win over Brazil set up a quarter-final meeting with England. The former Three Lions captain had vowed to row down the River Mersey if Norway reached the last eight, insisting the feat was “impossible” for Erling Haaland’s side.

Speaking on BBC Sport after Norway’s round-of-32 victory over Ivory Coast, Rooney gave the Scandinavians little hope of getting past five-time champions Brazil. “If Norway get to the quarter-finals, I will go in the River Mersey and I’ll row down it,” he said at the time.

Norway had other ideas. A late brace from Haaland saw them come from behind to beat Brazil 2-1 and reach their first-ever World Cup quarter-final, meaning Rooney now has to make good on his word.

Rooney brings in reinforcements

Rather than backing away from the pledge, the ex-Manchester United and Everton striker has doubled down, and revealed he won’t be going it alone. Fellow BBC pundit Micah Richards has agreed to join him in the boat, with presenter Gabby Logan also roped in.

“Was that me? Erm, yeah I’m a man of my word,” Rooney said. “Micah has agreed to do it with me and Gabby. We’re a team. They’ve agreed to it. I’ll row no problem. It might have to be the Hudson River if the BBC can sort that. But I’ll do it.”

Rooney’s suggestion of swapping the Mersey for the Hudson River is a nod to the tournament’s American host cities, with England’s quarter-final against Norway set for Miami rather than New Jersey.

The Viking Row connection

The rowing forfeit is a playful reference to Norway’s now-famous celebration, the “Viking Row”, which the squad and coaching staff have performed after each of their victories at this World Cup. It is usually led by captain Martin Odegaard, though the Arsenal midfielder handed the honours to Haaland following his match-winning double against Brazil.

Norway’s win means Haaland and his teammates now face England, who booked their own quarter-final spot after a dramatic five-goal victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. The last-eight tie between the two sides is scheduled to take place in Miami.

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