Jude Bellingham was England’s hero once more by scoring twice as the Three Lions came from behind to end Norway’s historic run and reach the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 win after extra-time. Thomas Tuchel’s side rode their luck in a quarter-final played in fierce heat and humidity, but Bellingham was once again the talisman to send England into the last four, where they will play Argentina.
In a tight, tense encounter, Norway went ahead after 36 minutes when Andreas Schjelderup’s dipping effort deceived England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to fly in. England needed an instant response, with Bellingham inevitably providing it in first-half stoppage time when he took Anthony Gordon’s pass perfectly in his stride to beat Norway keeper Orjan Nyland.
Norway had a second goal controversially disallowed after a VAR review in the second half for a foul by Erling Haaland as both sets of players were pushed to their physical limits by going to extra-time.
Bellingham then came up with another big moment for the winner as he pounced on an error by Orjan Nyland to sweep in his sixth goal of the tournament.
Haaland has emerged as one of the stars of this World Cup on and off the pitch with his seven goals leading Norway to the quarter-finals, while his personality has won the hearts of the United States. This, however, was one game too far for the Manchester City striker, who has had a magnificent tournament, to exert his influence.
England will face Argentina on Wednesday for the chance to reach a first World Cup final in 60 years.
