Jude Bellingham fired England into the World Cup semi-finals with a brace in a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway. The Real Madrid midfielder scored a crucial equalizer just before half-time and netted the winner early in extra time to keep England's tournament hopes alive.
Norway Takes the Lead
Despite dominating possession, England struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Norway broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup's cross from the left flank looped over England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and into the far corner. Harry Kane had appealed for a free kick after being dispossessed on the halfway line, but VAR upheld the goal.
Norway nearly doubled their lead when former Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth broke through but failed to square the ball to Erling Haaland, allowing England's defense to clear the danger.
Bellingham Levels Before Half-Time
England's lifeline came from Bellingham, who collected the ball from Anthony Gordon on the edge of the area, drove past two defenders, and fired a left-footed shot across the goalkeeper into the bottom corner. The goal brought England level on the stroke of half-time.
England almost took the lead moments later when Bellingham played Kane through on goal. Kane chipped the goalkeeper but was denied by an offside flag.
Second Half Drama and VAR Interventions
Early in the second half, Norway thought they had regained the lead when Torbjorn Heggem tapped in after Pickford parried a header from Sorloth. However, VAR intervened, ruling a foul by Haaland on Elliot Anderson during the corner kick.
Norway continued to threaten after the hydration break. Pickford punched away a corner, but the ball fell to Kristoffer Ajer, whose header struck the crossbar. Neither side could find a winner in regulation time, sending the match into extra time.
Bellingham Strikes Again in Extra Time
Just two minutes into extra time, substitute Morgan Rogers unleashed a powerful shot from distance that goalkeeper Orjan Nyland could only parry. Bellingham was first to the rebound, sweeping the ball home to put England ahead.
England thought they had a chance to double their lead from the penalty spot when Oscar Bobb felled Djed Spence, but VAR overturned the on-field penalty decision, keeping the score at 2-1.
What's Next for England
England will face the winner of the quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland, which takes place in the early hours of Sunday morning UK time. The semi-final is scheduled for Wednesday night in Atlanta.
