🔥 Jude Bellingham sends England into World Cup semi-finals after extra-time thriller against Norway
England survived a nerve-shredding World Cup quarter-final against Norway, winning 2-1 after extra time in Miami to move within one step of the final. It was tense, dramatic and full of controversy — exactly the kind of night that can define a tournament.
Norway struck first in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup, whose looping effort left England stunned and gave the underdogs belief that another famous upset was possible. With Erling Haaland leading the line and Norway playing with energy, England were forced to dig deep before half-time.
Then Jude Bellingham took over. The Real Madrid star dragged England level just before the break, finishing a crucial move to calm nerves and swing momentum back towards Thomas Tuchel’s side. But even that goal came with debate, as Norway complained that the ball may have struck an overhead camera cable in the build-up. FIFA later indicated that ball data did not confirm contact, but the incident added fuel to a fiery contest.
The second half brought more tension. Norway thought they had found a way back in front, only for VAR to intervene after Haaland was judged to have committed a foul in the build-up. England, meanwhile, struggled to fully control the game and had to rely on discipline, patience and moments of individual quality.
Extra time finally delivered the decisive blow. Bellingham reacted sharply after Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland failed to deal cleanly with a shot, pouncing to score his second of the night and send England into the semi-finals. Haaland, who had been kept scoreless for the first time at this World Cup, was later withdrawn through exhaustion as Norway’s brave run came to a painful end.
Tuchel admitted afterwards that England had been fortunate and demanded improvement, but knockout football is about survival. England have done exactly that. They were not perfect, but they showed character, resilience and a match-winner in Bellingham who looks ready to carry the nation deeper into the tournament.
Now the Three Lions wait for Argentina or Switzerland — and suddenly, the dream feels very real.
