Bellingham scores twice to lead England past Norway into World Cup semis

Jude Bellingham scored twice, including a decisive goal in the third minute of extra time, to lead England past Norway 2-1 and into the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2018. The victory, secured in a tense quarterfinal at Miami Gardens, saw the Three Lions advance to face either Argentina or Switzerland.

The match began with Norway taking the lead in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup, making his second start of the tournament, fired a shot that caromed off the right post and into the net. Schjelderup, who had set up both of Erling Haaland’s goals in Norway’s previous game, celebrated by stretching his arms wide as teammates lifted him onto their shoulders. Haaland, the Manchester City striker who had scored seven goals in the tournament, was held scoreless for the first time and was subbed out in the second half of extra time.

England responded with Bellingham’s equalizer just before halftime. A low cross from Anthony Gordon found the Real Madrid star, who converted from close range to ignite a roar from a crowd that included Mick Jagger and England legend David Beckham. The goal came after Norway’s Torbjørn Heggem had a potential winner disallowed in the 56th minute due to a foul by Haaland in the box. Pickford also denied Haaland with a point-blank save earlier in the game.

The match headed to extra time after Norway’s Alexander Sørloth and David Møller Wolfe tested goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, with the latter hitting the woodwork. Bellingham’s second goal arrived three minutes into extra time, following a sequence that sparked debate. A Norway goal kick appeared to make contact with an aerial camera cable before the ball reached England’s Elliot Anderson. The ball was eventually played to Bellingham, who beat Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland with a low shot. FIFA later confirmed that the sensor in the ball detected no contact with the cable, meaning play continued as normal.

England’s coach, Thomas Tuchel, acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today.” However, Bellingham downplayed the criticism, emphasizing the physicality of the match. “It’s difficult out there. It’s a tough shift,” he said, praising his teammates’ efforts. The victory extended England’s World Cup semifinal drought, with the last appearance coming in 2018, and kept their bid for a first title since 1966 alive.

Norway, despite the loss, celebrated a historic run, reaching its first quarterfinals and capturing global attention with its “Viking row” and Haaland’s presence. The match also included a moment of silence before kickoff in honor of Jayden Adams, a 25-year-old South African midfielder whose death was announced earlier Saturday.

Bellingham’s performance elevated him to joint top scorer in the tournament with six goals, matching Harry Kane. His two-goal contributions in this game and the round of 16 against Mexico underscored his pivotal role in England’s campaign. As the Three Lions prepare for the semifinals, their journey remains defined by resilience, with Bellingham’s heroics at the forefront.