Egil Selvik on what it's like to play with Erling Haaland | Watford Observer

Egil Selvik has revealed he played against compatriot and Manchester City star Erling Haaland when he was young, describing the striker as a "great guy" ahead of the World Cup.

Selvik is heading to the tournament, where he is expected to be Norway's number two, while Haaland is carrying much of the hopes of the nation on his shoulders.

In what has been described as Norway's 'Golden Generation', Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard is also a key player in midfield.

Watford's goalkeeper has a good relationship with both players and hopes they can inspire progress from a group featuring France, Senegal and Iraq in the US, Canada and Mexico this summer.

He told the official club podcast: "He [Haaland] is a very good guy.

"We're almost from the same area and I played against him when he was young. We do a lot of shooting in training - he is an excellent guy and a great footballer.

"You try to learn about his tendencies, what he's like in terms of how he plays.

"You have to say his name in terms of who's the best striker in the world."

Selvik also spends a fair amount of time with Odegaard, who trains just over the fence from the club's London Colney training ground.

He said: "He's very good, essential for the group in terms of being captain.

"We often land in Luton airport when we come back from the national team, we usually take the same plane.

"He always welcomes you with open arms and helps a lot in terms of being genuine to people and getting everyone on board as a unit."

(Image: Action Images)

What, then, of Norway's chances at the tournament?

A last-32 clash with England awaits as a possibility should the Three Lions win their group and Selvik's side finish third, but any route into the deeper knock-out stages would be difficult.

He said: "I feel like we can beat anybody.

"It's a historic event for Norway as a football nation and for the people of Norway to be a part of this World Cup.

"It's been great. Throughout qualifying, the stadiums were full and people are buzzing in terms of us having qualified for the World Cup.

"The ambition has always been there but Norway have been stuck in a rut for multiple years. I've been with them for a couple of years now and I've seen the deepest lows and highest highs.

"Qualifying has been a long time coming."