​Twice Jude Bellingham pulled England back from the edge as Thomas Tuchel’s side narrowly surpassed a stubborn Norway to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, edging 2-1 after extra time at Miami Stadium. The first half had unfolded in a low-key manner until Norway seized the initiative, with Harry Kane’s loose ball loss in midfield letting Schjelderup race forward. His cross-shot from the left struck the post and deflected in, handing the Norwegians the lead just before the break.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, in the quest for a record 18th World Cup appearance for his country, spread himself to deny Martin Odegaard from close range as Norway pressed to widen their advantage. The Real Madrid midfielder’s effort found a corner, but Pickford was alert and kept England in contention.
But Bellingham had other plans. The Real Madrid midfielder curled England level in first-half stoppage time, and the two teams went into extra time tied at 1-1. A Norwegian goal early in the second half was ruled out for a foul by Erling Haaland in the buildup, while England’s appeals for a late-game penalty were denied by VAR, preserving the status quo.
The extra period proved pivotal. After goalkeeper Nyland erred, Bellingham pounced to poke home the rebound from Morgan Rogers’ long-range strike, just three minutes into extra time, igniting a party of jubilation on the England bench. It was a moment that overshadowed Kane’s ongoing World Cup tally and shifted the narrative in England’s favour, though the headlines would ultimately belong to the midfielder who delivered the decisive moment.
In the broader context of the tournament, Kane has now matched Gary Lineker’s six goals across the 1986 World Cup, but Bellingham’s decisive intervention claimed the limelight. England advanced to a high-profile semi-final against Lionel Messi and Argentina, while France prepared to meet Spain in the other last-four clash.
In terms of performance metrics, the match featured a measured opening with England allowing Norway to dictate tempo early on, followed by a period of resilience and strategic pressure that culminated in Bellingham’s breakthrough. The midfield battle was intense, with England managing a higher level of technical control as the game progressed, and Bellingham’s influence grew as the clock advanced into extra time. Across the 120 minutes, England’s possession posture, passing accuracy, and defensive discipline helped them navigate late pressure from Norway and secure the win.
Overall, Bellingham’s late-clip equalizer and extra-time winner epitomized England’s resilience, delivering a dramatic and hard-fought victory that propelled them into the World Cup semi-finals. The team now looks ahead to a marquee clash against Argentina, with the backing of a determined group that has shown both grit and quality in this tournament phase.