It will be all about the two star strikers when England take on Norway in the World Cup quarter final this weekend, according to the former footballer with a talented foot in both camps.
Ex Saints midfielder Jo Tessem, who was capped nine times for his country during his five year spell at The Dell and St Mary's, is travelling back to his homeland to watch the match in the midnight sun alongside family both English and Norwegian.
He's looking forward to the battle between England talisman Harry 'HurriKane' Kane and Norway's 'Striking Viking' Erling Haaland and believes it will be an even match between two teams who should be well known to each other from Premier League clashes.
Jo Tessem takes on Patrick Vieira. Saints v Arsenal (Image: Newsquest / Paul Collins)
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Jo, who scored 16 goals during his 130 match Saints career and now works as a matchday commentator for BBC Radio Solent, told the Daily Echo: "It's really exciting. I've been following the path of both teams hoping they would meet in the quarter final.
"They are two teams that know each other well and they are similar teams. They have their weaknesses, but I think it's going to be a good game. An even game.
"They have two really good strikers, who are leaders in different ways.
"Both teams will be high on confidence after what has happened in the tournament so far.
"I am Norwegian and I will be rooting for Norway!"
Matt Le Tissier and Jo Tessem in action for the Ex-Saints (Image: Newsquest / Chris Moorhouse)
England hero Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession before Mexico pulled one back in a dramatic round of 16 match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. A Harry Kane penalty on the hour for ten man England was followed by another conversion from the spot from Raul Jiménez, setting up a tense finish at high altitude in a match watched by millions on British TV at 2am!
Earlier that evening, Manchester City's Haaland spearheaded a famous victory over Brazil for Norway, in their first World Cup since 1998. He struck twice to overcome the South Americans, celebrating with a trademark team Viking Row.
Jo, who also plays charity matches for the Ex-Saints, believes the winner has a chance to go all the way and lift the World Cup.
He added: "You never know what is going to happen and I think it's possible. But I think it will be France. Or look at Argentina, they know how to play tournaments!"
England v Norway will be broadcast live in the UK on ITV1 at 10pm on Saturday.
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