Jude Bellingham delivered once more for England, scoring twice – including a dramatic extra-time winner – as Thomas Tuchel's side battled past Norway 2-1 in sweltering Miami to book a World Cup semi-final against defending champions Argentina.
The temperature hit 34 degrees, the hottest conditions England have faced at this tournament, and both teams plodded at walking pace for much of the match. Norway drew first blood when Martin Odegaard fed Andreas Schjelderup, whose fierce cross shot beat Jordan Pickford and flew in off the far post. England looked stunned. But that is when big players step up.
“Jude Bellingham scored twice as England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 and reach the World Cup semi-finals.”
Bellingham equalised on the stroke of half-time after a poor clearance from Norway keeper Orjan Nyland was intercepted by Elliot Anderson. Anthony Gordon drove forward and fed the Real Madrid star, who powered into the box and sent a cross so fierce it almost went through Nyland. In extra time, with everyone else barely able to lift a leg, Bellingham struck again to claim the winner. He now has six goals in the tournament, level with Harry Kane.
John Stones and Marc Guehi kept Erling Haaland largely quiet, though the Norway striker had a header saved by Pickford. Norway's boss controversially substituted Haaland in extra time while needing a goal, a decision that drew scrutiny. After the match, Haaland's father aimed a five-word dig at the referee, according to reports.
Tuchel was far from happy despite the win, engaging in a heated interview with ITV afterwards. But England march on. They face Argentina, who beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time thanks to a stunning Julian Alvarez goal. Lionel Messi, who turned 39 during the tournament, has scored eight goals so far as Argentina have won all their group games. The semi-final will be a test of England's resilience.
Should England reach the final, they will face either France, 2-0 winners over Morocco, or Spain, who edged Belgium 2-1. The final will be held in New Jersey in front of 82,500 fans.