MIAMI, United States – Erling Haaland (25) said Norway’s World Cup performances had inspired a new generation despite the heartbreak of a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to England after extra-time on Saturday.

The Manchester City striker failed to find the net for the first time in 15 competitive matches for his country as Jude Bellingham’s double sent England through to the semi-finals at Hard Rock Stadium.

Haaland had scored seven times in his four previous games at the tournament, carrying Norway to the quarter-finals in their first World Cup appearance for 28 years. That remarkable run included eliminating Brazil in the last 16, with Haaland striking twice to knock out the five-time champions.

“How we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most,” said Haaland after the match.

“Hopefully now we can establish something when it comes to Euros, World Cups and everything because our generation is amazing and also all this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it’s possible to play on a big stage in the world with a Norwegian shirt.”

The striker’s profile has grown significantly during the tournament, with American fans warming to both his goalscoring ability and his personality off the pitch.

“It’s kind of difficult to take in this kind of show or rollercoaster that we’ve been in now for the last six weeks,” added Haaland.

“I think this changes Norway, I think it changes me. I’ve said it many times, we’re building on something in Norway. It’s about maintaining this because again we’ve shown that it’s possible to be one of the biggest football nations in the world.”

Despite the disappointment of elimination, Haaland had warm words for his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Bellingham, who scored both England goals.

“We had so much fun together and I’m not surprised that he scores two goals today and performs the way he does,” said Haaland.

ALSO READ: England, Argentina to renew bitter rivalry in World Cup semi-final

“I think he’s one of the best in the world and he’s a midfielder. He still scores goals, he still manages to dribble every single player on the field. England is lucky because everybody would want a Jude in the team.”

The Norwegian was substituted at half-time during extra-time as he struggled with the intense Miami heat and fatigue.

Norway manager Stale Solbakken said the decision to withdraw his star player was straightforward.

“It was not a tough decision to take him out because he was finished and maybe I should take him out before,” said Solbakken.

“We used all his energy and power for game after game. He also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue – he did everything he could. He scored seven goals in five games for us. A fantastic World Cup.”

ALSO READ: Hundreds of Peruvian babies named after Norway striker Haaland