Jude Bellingham’s brilliant two-goal display inspired England to come from behind and defeat Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami, leaving the Three Lions just one win away from their first men’s World Cup final since 1966.
Thomas Tuchel’s side rode their luck in a quarter-final played in fierce heat and humidity, but the Real Madrid star was once again the talisman to send England into the last four. They will now face reigning world champions Argentina in a blockbuster semi-final clash.
Bellingham Rescues Jaded Three Lions
In a tight, tense encounter, Norway took a deserved lead after 36 minutes when Andreas Schjelderup’s dipping effort deceived England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Looking jaded after their magnificent last-16 exertions against Mexico in the altitude of the Azteca Stadium, England desperately needed a spark. Bellingham inevitably provided it three minutes into first-half stoppage time, taking Anthony Gordon’s pass perfectly in his stride to beat Norway keeper Ørjan Nyland.
Tuchel was forced into significant half-time changes, replacing Noni Madueke and the influential Declan Rice, who has been struggling with illness and injury. Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka were introduced to combat the sweltering conditions as both teams tired.
Norway threatened repeatedly after the break; David Møller Wolfe headed a golden opportunity against the crossbar, while Torbjørn Heggem saw a goal ruled out by VAR for Erling Haaland’s needless shove on Elliot Anderson.
The defining moment arrived just three minutes into extra time. Substitute Morgan Rogers unleashed a fierce drive that Nyland could only push out, allowing the sharp-witted Bellingham to pounce on the rebound and settle the game.
Haaland Subdued as England March On
While Haaland has emerged as one of the stars of this World Cup with seven goals, this proved to be one game too far for the Manchester City striker. He was kept remarkably quiet by John Stones and the English defence, cutting a frustrated figure before being substituted at the interval in extra time.
In contrast, Bellingham’s individual brilliance takes his tournament tally to six goals as he continues his personal mission to bring glory to England. The victory secures England’s third World Cup semi-final appearance since they lifted the trophy 60 years ago, giving Tuchel’s men the ultimate chance to exorcise the ghosts of their 1990 and 2018 semi-final heartbreaks.
Also see – Argentina vs Switzerland – Preview, Prediction and Team News
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