​England manager Thomas Tuchel insisted his side were lucky to survive a 2-1 extra-time thriller against Norway and reach the World Cup semi-finals, while saluting the match-winning double from Jude Bellingham, whose two superb strikes carried the Three Lions past a stubborn opponent. Tuchel, visibly exasperated on the touchline, spoke in an animated on-field interview shortly after the full-time whistle and before the celebrations began in earnest. He admitted that England had made life unnecessarily difficult for themselves, conceding that while the result was excellent and the chance to reach the last four for only the fourth time in the nation’s history was something to savour, the performance left much to be desired.
“We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today,” Tuchel said, acknowledging the mixed emotions after securing a place in the semi-finals. “The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but I’m not happy with the performance.” He pointed to the team’s approach as the main issue, noting a lack of intensity and speed in their play, and an overabundance of caution that nearly cost them valuable ground. “The commitment is there, but it made life very, very difficult for us in the way we played, how we played, sloppy, lots of safety, not fast enough, not enough. We were lucky today.”
Bellingham, whose form has been a beacon for England throughout the tournament, appeared unfazed by his manager’s blunt assessment. “Whatever. Whatever,” the Real Madrid midfielder said after another gruelling 120 minutes in the heat of Miami. He added a nod to the collective effort, praising the teammates who had put in a sustained shift and expressing his gratitude for the support and hard work of everyone on the field. “It’s difficult out there. It’s a tough shift. All the players are putting in a tough shift. So my thoughts and appreciation go to the players who put in a good shift out there.”
With the victory, England advanced to face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday, aiming to reach a World Cup final for the first time in six decades. Tuchel, while grateful for the win, insisted his side still had work to do. “I’m impressed with the shift that they put in, the effort, the belief and to overcome adversity and to dig in and find ways to win is on the absolutely highest level,” he told reporters at the post-match press conference. “Full credit to the team, we found a way in the last four. This is, of course, the most important, but the analysing head of me and the football coach still thinks that we can and have played better football.”
England had narrow escapes in the decisive moments, with Bellingham’s first goal standing after Norwegian protests that the ball had ricocheted off a TV camera above the pitch in the build-up. Norway also had a second-half goal disallowed after a VAR review for a foul by Erling Haaland before a corner could be taken. “We were lucky. I stand with that,” Tuchel acknowledged. “No one ever denies that you need luck to go far in tournament football. You need moments where you’re lucky, otherwise it’s just not possible. I see no harm in admitting it. It’s just the way I felt.”
Looking ahead, Tuchel offered tempered optimism about England’s chances, framing Bellingham’s performance as a pivotal factor in their progress. The 20-year-old England star has already struck six goals in six World Cup matches, matching Harry Kane’s tally, and Tuchel lauded his contribution. In the aftermath of a season that has seen Bellingham rise to national hero status with his decisive finishes in the last-16 win over Mexico and again in Miami, Tuchel’s praise for the youngster was unequivocal.
“World-class,” Tuchel described Bellingham’s latest display, underscoring the midfielder’s ability to deliver under pressure and in the most demanding circumstances. The statement was a reminder of Bellingham’s ongoing influence, a player whose talent is often seen as a catalyst for England’s best performances. The star’s two goals in this fixture capped a tournament that has reinforced his status as one of the game’s brightest young talents and a central figure in England’s plans as they chase the country’s first World Cup title since 1966.