Forward Haaland has found the net seven times during Norway’s remarkable journey to the last eight.
It marks their first appearance at the global finals since 1998 and the deepest they have ever advanced.
The tournament has become an unforgettable summer following victories over Iraq, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Brazil, with Haaland hitting a rich vein of form.
Ahead of Friday’s quarter-final, much of the spotlight was on Haaland and England skipper Harry Kane, who has struck six goals in five matches at the event.
When asked if the contest would simply be a duel between the two prolific scorers to decide the outcome, Solbakken replied: “It is Norway against England.”
He continued: “Nobody is hiding that Kane is England’s primary match-winner and Erling is ours.
“There is no question he [Haaland] is our top match-winner, but I think you overlook some of the other individuals if you believe that is the entire storyline.
“He also needs deliveries, but you cannot ignore that he is a huge, huge match-winner for us.”
After seeing Thomas Tuchel’s team fight past co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the round of 16, despite losing defender Jarell Quansah to a red card in the 54th minute inside a raucous Azteca Stadium, Solbakken holds deep respect for England.
Solbakken said: “We have to compete and defend well. We need to stay focused on the pitch and then we can be ourselves.
“Jude Bellingham and Kane score from excellent areas. I think the most impressive England display came when they outplayed Mexico.
“Mexico created very few openings and I believe Tuchel managed to place their best players in good positions. And with match-winners like Bellingham, Kane — they have several options out wide, meaning if one winger is not on his game, another comes in and delivers, while there is stability in the middle of the park with Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice.”
Norway held 66.4% possession during their famous win over Brazil.
When asked if he expected his side to enjoy similar control against England, Solbakken added: “No, I don’t.
“The temperature is rising. We have trained very lightly. We have not done a lot of intense work. We have had technical sessions but at a lower rhythm.
“It all comes down to staying fresh for tomorrow.”
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