Jude Bellingham did it again. The 23-year-old scored twice to drag England from behind and into a World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, equalling Gary Lineker’s record for the most non-penalty goals by an England player at a single major tournament.
Norway had taken a 36th-minute lead when Jordan Pickford misjudged Andreas Schjelderup’s powerful cross, the ball flying in off the post. The Three Lions, showing the mental toughness that has become their hallmark, refused to buckle.
“Jude Bellingham scored twice, including a controversial equaliser, as England beat Norway 2-1 to reach the World Cup semi-finals.”
Bellingham levelled with a drive from close range, though Norway protested furiously that the ball had touched a Spidercam cable during the build-up. The goal stood. Then, in the first half of extra time, Bellingham tucked in the winner to send England into the last four.
England manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak paid dividends, according to observers, as his side grew into the game after a nervy first half. Declan Rice and Phil Foden were both substituted at half-time, while Harry Kane ran himself to a standstill despite being denied by an offside flag.
Bellingham’s performance earned a 9/10 rating, with pundits calling for a knighthood. The midfielder now has six non-penalty goals at this World Cup, matching Gary Lineker’s tournament tally from 1986.
Norway, who also had a goal disallowed, pushed hard but could not find a second. Erling Haaland was kept quiet by a heroic England defence and was eventually substituted in extra time.
England now await their semi-final opponents, with the nation daring to dream of a first World Cup final since 1966.