England moved to within one victory of a first FIFA World Cup final since 1966 after Jude Bellingham produced another match-winning display to inspire a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in a gripping quarter-final in Miami.
Thomas Tuchel's side survived a determined Norwegian challenge in the sweltering Florida heat before Bellingham scored twice to overturn Andreas Schjelderup's first-half opener and send the Three Lions into the last four, where they will face either Argentina or Switzerland.
The result secured England's fourth World Cup semi-final appearance after 1966, 1990 and 2018, while also marking their fourth semi-final across major tournaments since 2018, underlining the country's sustained success on the international stage.
Andreas Schjelderup celebrates his goal being lifted by his captain Martin Ordegard. (Photo: FIFA)
Norway, playing in their first World Cup quarter-final, stunned England in the 36th minute when Schjelderup's dipping strike deceived Jordan Pickford to become the nation's first-ever goal in a World Cup quarter-final. The Scandinavians had looked organised and dangerous throughout the opening period and carried a genuine belief that another upset was within reach.
England, however, found inspiration in their biggest star. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Anthony Gordon threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Bellingham, who controlled brilliantly before calmly finishing beyond Ørjan Nyland to restore parity just before the break.
Tuchel reshuffled his side at half-time, introducing Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze after Declan Rice, who had been battling illness and injury, and Noni Madueke were withdrawn.
Norway remained a threat after the restart. Torbjørn Heggem thought he had restored their lead before VAR ruled out the effort after Erling Haaland was adjudged to have pushed Elliot Anderson during the build-up. David Møller Wolfe then came within inches of putting Norway ahead again when his header crashed against the crossbar.
With both sides tiring in the oppressive conditions, the contest drifted into extra time, where England's quality eventually proved decisive. Morgan Rogers forced Nyland into a save early in the additional period, but the Norwegian goalkeeper could only parry the effort into the path of Bellingham, who reacted quickest to bundle home his second goal of the night and complete England's comeback.
Jude Bellingham (front) of England celebrates after scoring during the quarterfinal match between Norway and England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Miami Stadium in Miami, the United States, July 11, 2026. (Photo: FIFA)
Bellingham's latest heroics continued an extraordinary tournament for the Real Madrid midfielder. His brace took his tally to six goals and one assist in six matches, making him the leading goalscoring midfielder at the tournament. He also became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score two or more goals in successive World Cup knockout matches and only the second player after Pelé in 1958 to achieve the feat before turning 24.
The 23-year-old has now collected four Player of the Match awards and surpassed Wayne Rooney's tally of major tournament goals for England. Among players aged 23 or younger, only Kylian Mbappé has scored more World Cup goals than Bellingham, with the Englishman now level with Pelé on seven career World Cup goals.
Norway's campaign nevertheless ended with plenty of pride despite the disappointment. Martin Ødegaard continued to orchestrate play and finished the tournament with four assists, second only to France's Michael Olise, while Schjelderup's historic goal provided another milestone for a nation enjoying its finest World Cup run.
Erling Haaland, who entered the match with seven goals and the tournament's best shot conversion rate among players with at least ten attempts, endured a frustrating evening. Closely marshalled by Marc Guéhi and England's defence, the Manchester City striker struggled to impose himself before being substituted during extra time after his influence faded.
The defeat also extended Norway's difficult record against European opposition at the World Cup, with the Scandinavians still searching for a first victory over a fellow European nation on football's biggest stage.
England now turns their attention to a mouth-watering semi-final, knowing they stand just one win away from reaching their first men's World Cup final in six decades. With Bellingham delivering decisive performances at every turn, belief continues to grow that the Three Lions could finally end their long wait to challenge for football's biggest prize once again.
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