Miami: Bellingham’s double sends England past Norway into World Cup semi-finals

By Rohan Gupta — 12 July 2026 — 3 min read

England secured a 2-1 victory over Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, with Jude Bellingham scoring both goals, including the winner in extra time. The match, played in Miami, saw England come from behind after Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway an early lead. This win marks England’s progression to the semi-finals for the fourth time in their history.

The conditions in Miami were challenging, with temperatures remaining above 30 degrees Celsius and high humidity throughout the match. These energy-sapping conditions tested the endurance of both teams, particularly as the game extended into extra time.

First Half Drama and Equaliser

Norway initially took the lead in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup scored with a shot that found the far corner of the net. This came after Patrick Berg dispossessed Harry Kane, setting up the attack. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had earlier saved a shot from Martin Odegaard, and Alexander Sorloth had a chance but opted to shoot rather than pass to Erling Haaland.

England were rattled by Norway’s opener, but Jude Bellingham provided a crucial equaliser just before half-time. He received a pass from Anthony Gordon, burst into the box, and slotted the ball home with his left foot. This goal shifted the momentum in England’s favour, though a potential second goal from Harry Kane was disallowed for offside.

Manager Thomas Tuchel made changes at half-time, bringing on Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze for Noni Madueke and Declan Rice. Rice had been dealing with illness earlier in the week. These substitutions, however, left England somewhat exposed in midfield during periods of the second half.

Controversy and Extra-Time Decider

The second half saw more drama, including a disallowed goal for Norway. Torbjorn Heggem scored from a corner, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review determined that Erling Haaland had pushed Elliott Anderson before the corner was taken. Norway also came close to scoring again when Kristoffer Ajer hit the crossbar.

With both teams visibly tiring in the intense heat, the match went into extra time. Three minutes into the additional period, Jude Bellingham scored his second goal. He capitalised on an error by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who spilled a long-range shot from substitute Morgan Rogers, allowing Bellingham to pounce on the rebound.

Following Bellingham’s second goal, England were initially awarded a penalty, but VAR intervened again, ruling that Djed Spence had initiated contact inside the box, overturning the decision. Erling Haaland, who had been kept scoreless for the first time in his last 16 competitive matches for Norway, was substituted at half-time of extra time. Norway continued to push for an equaliser, with substitutes Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb having chances, but England held on for the win.

England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals on Wednesday. This victory marks the first time since 1966 that England has won a World Cup knockout game after conceding first, a feat they have now achieved twice in three matches in this tournament.

Source: aljazeera.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter