PGA Tour star Viktor Hovland wants England tears after Norway's World Cup clash

Viktor Hovland says he would love to see some England tears after Norway's World Cup clash with the Three Lions, but will keep the banter to a minimum ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open.

Thomas Tuchel's side reached the quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico with 10 men at the Azteca stadium on Monday morning, while Norway secured their place in the last eight by beating five-time champions Brazil 2-1.

The two sides will meet at 22:00 BST at Miami Stadium in Florida. 

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Speaking ahead of the penultimate event before The Open, Hovland said he would avoid "pushing too hard" with the football banter on the range because football is a sensitive topic for some.

"But yeah, I hope they lose and come crying out on Sunday morning," he joked.

The Ryder Cup star recently returned to the winners' circle on the PGA Tour for the first time in more than a year after defeating Scottie Scheffler in a sudden-death playoff at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.

Hovland was roared on by thousands of Norwegian supporters during the tournament, with Norway having played France in the World Cup group stages in Boston, around two hours from TPC River Highlands.

After claiming his eighth PGA Tour title, Hovland joined his fans in performing the now-famous Norwegian "viking row" celebration.

He has promised to repeat the celebration if he wins again at The Renaissance Club this week.

"Every Norwegian has to do at least a few rows out there," he said. 

"It's a cool thing that is really taking over the internet and has gone viral."

Hovland joked: "I'm taking all the credit, that's for sure. No, I've always been watching the Norway games.

"I'm not a big football fan in general. I don't really keep up and I don't know any of the players. But obviously it's pretty patriotic to watch.

"When I was at home for the last game, I have an apartment pretty close to the city, and just sitting there watching the game, you could hear the screams from downtown. 

"There were 100,000 people in the city cheering and rooting for Norway. It's really cool to see that energy and you really feel it.

"Norway really needed something like this to happen. It's really cool to be part of it and I' going to watch the next game, that’s for sure."

Hovland admitted he was not ready to make a prediction. "But I really hope our country wins for sure," he said. 

England's Aaron Rai, who won the PGA Championship in June, told reporters Hovland has already started the needles. 

Rai said his caddie managed to attend England's Group L game against Ghana. 

"I saw Viktor very briefly yesterday and congratulated him on the Travelers, and I said he's looking forward to Saturday," said Rai. 

"But I think it will be a very good match. Hopefully get a chance to watch it. I think it will be very close.

"Norway have played great this year."