Kane v Haaland: The battle of the number nines

After the roller coaster England v Mexico match where the Three Lions battled through and came out victorious, it's time for Thomas Tuchel's team to turn their attention to the next challenge.

Norway - the Vikings, and their fearsome striker Erling Haaland.

The giant, blonde-haired Manchester City player will come up against England's own warrior in captain Harry Kane.

But what do the two players have in common, what makes them stand out and who will come out on top?

We have delved into the stats to try and see how the two number nines match up.

It's clear to see from their stats both players are goal machines.

At this World Cup, Harry Kane is currently England's top scorer with six goals but Haaland is level with France's Kylian Mbappe and Argentina's Lionel Messi on seven.

Haaland's tally is arguably more impressive because he was rested for Norway's final group game.

In his international career, he has averaged more than a goal per game.

It's easy to forget, Haaland is just 25 years old. If he remains at this level, he could go on to play in many more international tournaments. (Can he match Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's tally of six World Cups?)

Three Lions skipper Harry Kane is not only a prolific striker himself, he also sets up goals for his team mates, making him an even more useful player up front.

But he is England's all-time record goal scorer with 85 international goals - and counting.

Both players are attempting to write history at this World Cup.

Norway have never made it this far in the World Cup before, so reaching a semi-final will be monumental for them.

Reaching the final four would cement Haaland as one of Norway's greatest ever male footballers.

Harry Kane has already led England to a World Cup semi-final in 2018, but doing it again would take him another step closer to lifting a major trophy with the England men's team for the first time since 1966.

Both players are not just superstars on the footy pitch. They each manage to find time to wind down in other ways.

Alongside being a dad to his four children, Harry Kane spends some of his down time on the golf course. He has even hinted he may turn to the sport in a serious way after he retires from football.

When asked if he had considered the move into the pro world, he told a golfing magazine "never say never!"

Haaland also plays golf and says his father (a former Norway football star himself), wanted him to take up the sport professionally as a youngster. Although his dad is probably glad he stuck to football now.

Haaland also loves gaming and says meditation is a great way to wind down and keep his mind calm. You may even have seen his crossed-legged 'zen pose' celebration.

Either way, Saturday's match is sure to be a huge battle between the Viking of Norway and the King of English football.

Will you be watching? How do you think it will end? Send us your score predictions and your messages for the players using the comments section below.