England vs Norway

Photography by: Rodolfho Chona

England is heading back to the World Cup semifinals, and once again Jude Bellingham painted himself the hero, this time putting on a monumental performance against Norway.

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 a thrilling game at Miami Stadium. Thomas Tuchel's side advances to its first World Cup semifinal since 2018, where Argentina now await after their dramatic victory over Switzerland.

For long stretches, England looked anything but convincing. Norway, making its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal appearance, matched the Three Lions physically and tactically, forcing England into one of its most uncomfortable—and ultimately gutsy—performances of the summer.

Norway was the first to strike in this contest, finding a breakthrough in the 36th minute thanks to a thundering Andreas Schjelderup shot/cross that snuck its way into Pickford’s back post. It was a goal that stunned an England side that had controlled possession but struggled to create clear opportunities up to that point.

England's response arrived just before halftime with Anthony Gordon surging forward before finding Bellingham, who shifted onto his right foot and calmly slotted past Ørjan Nyland to level the score in stoppage time. It was a goal that proved to be quite controversial, as it appeared that the ball had hit one of the SkyCam cables during the play. The sensors inside the match ball did not detect a touch, and therefore the goal stood.

The second half became a battle of attrition in the 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 kick was taken. Kristoffer Ajer later rattled the crossbar as England struggled to regain control.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough in regulation, the match drifted into extra time. But it only took Bellingham just three minutes to settle the contest and become the hero of the night for England.

Substitute Morgan Rogers unleashed a powerful effort that Nyland could only parry into the middle of the box with some difficulty. 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.

Now, England is just two wins away 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.