England vs Norway

Photography by: Rodolfho Chona

England is heading back to the World Cup semifinals, and once again Jude Bellingham was the man who refused to let the Three Lions go home.

The Real Madrid midfielder struck twice, including the winner three minutes into extra time, as England rallied from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in sweltering conditions at Miami Stadium on Saturday. Thomas Tuchel's side advances to its first World Cup semifinal since 2018, where defending champion Argentina now awaits after its dramatic victory over Switzerland.

For long stretches, England looked anything but convincing. Norway, making its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal appearance, matched the tournament favorites physically and tactically, forcing England into one of its most uncomfortable performances of the summer. But when the moment demanded a difference-maker, Bellingham delivered again.

After Erling Haaland forced Jordan Pickford into an excellent first-half save, Norway found its breakthrough in the 36th minute. Andreas Schjelderup cut inside and drove a left-footed effort in off the far post, stunning an England side that had controlled possession but struggled to create clear opportunities.

England's response arrived just before halftime. Anthony Gordon surged forward before finding Bellingham, who shifted onto his right foot and calmly slotted past Ørjan Nyland to level the score in stoppage time. Harry Kane thought he had completed the turnaround moments later, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

The second half became a battle of attrition in oppressive South Florida heat. Norway nearly reclaimed the lead when Torbjørn Heggem bundled home from a corner, but VAR ruled out the goal after determining Haaland had fouled Elliot Anderson before the delivery. Kristoffer Ajer later rattled the crossbar as England struggled to regain control.

There was also controversy surrounding England's equalizer, with Norway arguing the move began after a goal kick appeared to brush the stadium's aerial camera cable. FIFA later said connected-ball technology showed no evidence of contact, allowing the goal to stand.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough in regulation, the match drifted into extra time. It took Bellingham just three minutes to settle it.

Substitute Morgan Rogers unleashed a powerful effort that Nyland could only parry into the middle of the box. Bellingham, once again reading the moment quicker than anyone else, arrived to tuck home the rebound and send England into the last four.

The brace moved the 23-year-old level with Kane on six tournament goals, while ending Haaland's remarkable scoring streak after the Norwegian striker was held scoreless for the first time this World Cup.

England survived, but Tuchel admitted afterward there is work to do.

"We made life very, very difficult for ourselves," the England manager said. "The result is fantastic, but I'm not happy with the performance."

Performance aside, England remains two wins from ending a 60-year wait for another World Cup crown. Next comes Argentina in what promises to be one of the tournament's marquee semifinal showdowns.