Jude Bellingham continued his epic World Cup run with two more goals as England came from behind to beat Norway and book their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Jude Bellingham is once again England’s trump card (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Jude Bellingham produced another outstanding performance as England’s heroes progress to the World Cup semi-finals.
Bellingham scored twice, setting up a dramatic extra-time winner as Thomas Tuchel’s side produced a sensational performance at the Miami Stadium.
It was Bellingham who scored again when they tied the score in the first half, and then again when everyone else could barely get their feet up in scorching conditions.
This took his total to six goals in the competition, leveling him with Harry Kane as the England hero battled his way to the limit.
It was Bellingham once again who gave his all for the team and, after a sensational performance in Mexico City, is now leading England’s World Cup dreams.
It was scorching hot in Miami. The temperatures were the hottest England have ever played in a World Cup. Probably ever. If it was hot to watch, imagine what it must have been like for the players. In the 34 degree heat, the cauldron of pitches got even hotter.
You could feel it as both teams played at a walking pace for much of the game. England definitely dominated possession, but it was difficult to do anything with it.
Elliott Anderson probed with a pass. Declan Rice was strong. Bellingham struggled to find space. Noni Madueke was frustrated.
John Stones and Mark Guehi succeeded in keeping the ball away from Erling Haaland, while Ezri Konsa, although strong in defence, had few chances to advance from the right-back slot. It felt like a game where both teams were showing their feelings at each other. Very well known at club level and Premier League level.
Bellingham reacted first and scored the winning goal in extra time (Image: Getty Images)
Harry Kane took a free kick from 20 yards out after Norwegian defender Kristoffer Ajer fouled Bellingham. But the chances were very few and far between.
England were given a complete scare when Stones’ sloppiness almost allowed Haaland away, but Jordan Pickford came to the rescue. Haaland’s header was saved by England’s keeper, but Tuchel’s side did not heed the warning.
Patrick Berg challenges Kane. England screamed for a foul that was not awarded. Martin Odegaard fed Andreas Schjelderup and his powerful cross-shot beat Pickford and flew to the far post.
England looked stunned. But it’s time for the big players to step up. And no one has done it better than Bellingham this World Cup. He was always there when England and the team needed him.
This time, a poor clearance from Norwegian keeper Orjan Nyland was intercepted by Andersson, allowing Gordon to step forward and feed Bellingham. The Real Madrid star powerfully moved into the box and fired a powerful cross past Nyland. What a reaction! England had the ball in the net again before half-time, but Kane was ruled offside.
Erling Haaland’s World Cup dreams are over (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Let me tell you, England suffered a huge scare right after the break. After Pickford misjudged a corner kick, Norwegian defender Torbjorn Heggem put the ball in the net.
Norway celebrated enthusiastically, but England protested and referee Clement Turpin ruled out the match after a VAR check, accusing Haaland of pushing his new Manchester City teammate Anderson. But it was also clear that Norway were growing into this game, and even after Tuchel replaced Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze with Declan Rice and Noni Madueke at half-time, England were never that dominant.
Norway looked increasingly dangerous, while England just looked tired. Tuchel tried to make a change but his second-half substitutes failed to provide the fresh energy needed.
Reece James moved into midfield, followed by Jed Spence, but Norway added to their dominance by introducing wingers Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb.
Saka’s low cross was waiting for the finish. After blocking a clearance from Norwegian keeper Nyland, the ball almost went off goal.
But then England’s own version of Superman appeared. In the land of superheroes, Jude has stepped up again. Super-sub Morgan Rodgers’ long-range shot was tipped over by Norwegian keeper Nyland and Bellingham followed up and converted the rebound.
England thought it was over when Spence was brought down by Bobb’s challenge. Referee Clement Turpin initially awarded a penalty, but the penalty was canceled after a VAR check.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with Sky Glass ‘designed for soccer’
From £6
sky
Get the deal here
Shoppers can now upgrade to a Sky smart TV ‘designed for football’ from £6 a month when used with a Sky TV and Netflix package.
