​England’s bid to reach a first World Cup semi-final in eight years was fueled by Jude Bellingham’s sensational brace, a performance that sealed a 2-1 victory over dark-horses Norway and completed a dramatic turnaround. The game began with a shock for England as Landslaget took the lead when Andreas Schjelderup’s shot reared into a cross after Harry Kane was dispossessed at midfield, despite Kane’s protests of a foul. Bellingham responded in ruthless fashion, expertly converting Anthony Gordon’s assist from the left into the bottom-left corner, leveling the score and igniting England’s momentum.
The second half and extra time saw Thomas Tuchel shuffle his pack, introducing fresh legs and sharp ideas. Morgan Rogers emerged as one of the key impact subs, helping to shape the tempo and influence the attack. A pivotal moment came when Rogers’s long-range effort from a corner yielded a follow-up finish by Bellingham, securing the lead and grabbing the decisive goal that would prove hard for Norway to overturn.
Norway carved out their own moment of quality midway through the second half, nearly snatching an equaliser as Kristoffer Ajer headed a powerful effort against the crossbar, with Jordan Pickford beaten. The Everton custodian then achieved a landmark personal milestone by earning his country’s most caps in World Cup history on his 18th appearance.
In midfield and on the flank, Djed Spence made a bright impact after coming on for Nico O’Reilly. He earned a penalty late in the match after a clipped touch from referee Clément Turpin, but the decision was overturned following a video assistant referee review, denying England a potentially decisive advantage.
To tighten their position in the extra period, England switched to a back five to invite Norway to press higher up the pitch, a strategy that helped them absorb the pressure. Midway through the additional 30 minutes, star striker Erling Haaland was withdrawn, a notable tactical shift that ultimately paid dividends as Tuchel’s side rode out the closing stages.
The result moves England to the brink of a World Cup final for the first time since their 1966 triumph, a moment many see as England’s best chance in decades to end their six-decade wait for global glory. The World Cup semi-final is now within reach, with the winner of the Argentina vs Switzerland quarter-final set to face England on Wednesday, June 15, in what promises to be a marquee clash.
Fans and analysts alike are already looking ahead, anticipating what could be a landmark run for England as they navigate the remainder of the tournament. For further detailed reports, reaction, and in-depth analysis of the World Cup as it unfolds, visit our website and bookmark OneFootball for the latest stories and updates.