​Jude Bellingham struck twice to lift England from a goal down as they edged Norway 2-1 after extra time, securing a spot in the World Cup semi-finals. BBC Sport’s England correspondent Alex Howell assesses the players’ showings in Miami on Saturday, and readers are invited to share their views at the bottom of the page.
Jordan Pickford became England’s most-capped World Cup goalkeeper, yet he was caught out by Andreas Schjelderup’s testing cross for Norway’s opener. Overall, his display was uncertain and suggests room for improvement in a high-stakes knockout game. Ezri Konsa proved again why he is such a trusted presence in the squad, delivering a steady defensive performance and showing reliability at right-back, even though his forays forward aren’t his natural strength. He contributed solidly, though one mislaid pass to John Stones briefly put the defense in a difficult position.
Marc Guehi did a solid job marshalling the dangerous Haaland, impressing further given he has been nursing a hamstring issue. He is a dependable presence who enjoyed a bit more possession than England would have liked as Norway sat deep, but his reading of the game was commendable. John Stones continues to demonstrate sharp game-reading, making a crucial interception that could have opened the door for Haaland if it had not been executed. He was fortunate to escape a late mishap after taking possession in a tricky area.
Nico O’Reilly has grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed. The Manchester City player is tasked with an intricate role, operating as the team’s left-back while also offering another option in the left-sided number 10 space during possession phases. He found himself pinned by Alexander Sorloth and narrowly escaped trouble when the striker fired over.
Elliot Anderson began the match in a more advanced berth, and his determination shone through in the buildup that led to England’s equaliser. He subsequently shifted back to his familiar No. 6 role once Rice departed, providing energy and drive in the engine room. Declan Rice took on the role of England’s deepest midfielder, which may have been a strategic move to counter Norway’s long-ball threat to Haaland and Sorloth, or could reflect Rice’s own lingering health issues. His performance suggested he wasn’t at full strength, and he was withdrawn at half-time.
Jude Bellingham again carried the creative and goalscoring burden for the team, delivering a brace that showcased his evolving maturity and big-game influence. In this World Cup, his form has elevated England’s prospects, with Bellingham increasingly acting as the side’s talisman and a catalyst for late-game breakthroughs. The performance reinforced the view that England can lean on him to steer them through tight moments.
Noni Madueke enjoyed a positive start with several promising attacks, but he failed to capitalize on opportunities in the first half and was substituted at the break. His absence left England seeking a different outlet as the half wore on. Anthony Gordon embodied forward momentum, bringing energy to the attack in sweltering heat and delivering the cross that set up Bellingham’s equaliser, underscoring his willingness to take risks and contribute in the final third.
Harry Kane faced a well-drilled Norway defence that denied him space and time. He didn’t manage to unlock the back line with a telling finish, but his persistence and leadership were evident. The captain’s performance reflected the heavy responsibility placed on him as England pressed for a winner in normal time and then had to chase the game again in extra time.
Overall, England’s path to victory was built on a mix of resilience, tactical adjustments, and crucial individual moments, especially Bellingham’s double. The team displayed the capability to unpick a stubborn Norway defence and to respond decisively when required, with substitutions and positional tweaks shaping the outcome as the clock ticked through extra time. As England prepare for the semi-final stage, Bellingham’s form stands out as a beacon of levelling quality: a player who can lift the team when it matters most.