​Joy and relief flooded the streets as England fans packed into pubs across London, cheering and singing after a nerve-jangling World Cup quarter-final win over Norway that went to extra time. In a packed south London bar, 32-year-old Olly Aleksejuk told AFP that this was classic England, a side that somehow clung on to triumph 2-1 after extra time. “I would like it to be easier!” the IT worker admitted, speaking among hundreds gathered to watch the drama unfold on a screen set up outside the venue.
Norway had taken an early shock lead in Miami when Andreas Schjelderup struck, but England hit back through Jude Bellingham just before the break. The hosts rode their luck when Norway’s second goal was ruled out by VAR for a foul by Erling Haaland in the second half, paving the way for a late equaliser that sent the match into extra time. Bellingham then became the hero, pouncing on a rebound to put England through to a semi-final clash against either Argentina or Switzerland on Wednesday.
“You just know he’s going to pull through,” said 30-year-old Lucy Bickley, a South London bar patron, praising Bellingham as she watched the drama unfold. “It’s almost like you don’t have to worry about it. You know he’ll be like, ‘yeah, it’s fine, chill out,’” she added, working in marketing. Across the capital, around 1,600 fans wearing St George’s flag bucket hats crowded into the Boxpark bar in Wembley, northwest London, where joy exploded with the beats of mirrors and the roars of the crowd.
The supporters sang along to Beatles’ classics and to the anthem “Three Lions,” especially its refrain “It’s coming home.” Fabian Maddix, 31, said, “I had hopes, but after their first goal I started doubting, yet I always believed.” Elsewhere, the country had extended hospitality licensing hours to 2:00 am across England and Wales to let fans celebrate responsibly.
When the final whistle sounded, confirming England’s place in the last four, the atmosphere was electric. The referee’s whistle came just before 1:00 am, sealing a victory that had kept fans on edge. In Camden, north London, crowds spilled onto the streets, singing as drivers honked horns and cyclists rang bells in a wave of post-match euphoria.
Public figures joined in the celebrations. Prince William was among the first to send his congratulations on social media, praising England’s performance in what he called a tough environment and posting, “Well done England! Top performance in a tough environment.” He added, “This is a special team. Commiserations to a proud Norway team. Onto the semi-final… Never in doubt!”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official residence at 10 Downing Street was decked with St George’s flags ahead of the match. Starmer joined in congratulating the team and even referenced the famous World Cup qualifier moment in 1981 when Norway beat England, posting a nod to Norway’s prime minister on X with the line: “Norway 1 – 2 Jude Bellingham. @JonasGahrStore, your boys took one hell of a beating.”
Back at the south London venue, 32-year-old Henry Freestone looked ahead with ambition, optimistically predicting that England could reach their first World Cup final. The victory left fans dreaming of more glory as the team prepared for a potential semifinal showdown that could elevate this campaign to new heights.