Jude Bellingham scored two goals to drag England into the latter stages of the World Cup, sending Manchester into a frenzy as the Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 in the quarter-final at Miami Stadium.
An estimated 13,000 fans crammed into the Depot Mayfield and Freight Island to cheer on the boys during an emotional rollercoaster of a match. Fans were cautiously optimistic from the very beginning, with many predicting an England win but shying away from saying if it would be a dominant performance.
Norway Proves Worthy Contenders
Norway, led by Manchester City favourite Erling Haaland, proved to be worthy contenders. City fans Jamie, Lewis, Luke and Alfie were hoping for an England win, but Luke had the boldest prediction of 6-2, with goals from City full-back Nico O’Reilly, Harry Kane and his beloved Haaland. “We’re optimistic over here,” he said.
However, a less than smooth group stage and a topsy-turvy thriller at the Azteca had left the team with more sceptics than believers. Dave was one of those fans who was yet to be convinced about England’s chances before the game. At Freight Island, he said: “They’ve not been great, they’ve grown into it but I haven’t been sold.” He was proved right too.
Bellingham Rescues England
After a tepid start to the game, Norway broke the deadlock through Schjelderup after a hydration break. England toiled for ten minutes before the man of the moment, Jude Bellingham, raised the crowd’s spirit with an incredible goal to make it 1-1. Fans were only just heading back to their seats when Bellingham scored again, but it was chalked off for offside.
Halftime and fans were still confident of a win, but not impressed. England fan Gavin summed it up best when he said: “It was depressing, but England have been depressing every first half. They were poor until Jude scored, they should win 3-1 now and everyone will forget the first half.”
Second Half Drama and Extra Time
The second half proved to be just as turbulent. Norway hit the back of the net again, only for England’s blushes to be spared when it was disallowed via VAR, a decision almost celebrated like a goal. The match seeped into a nervy extra time, with Saturday turning into Sunday morning.
And then Jude Bellingham happened again. A poacher's goal sent the crowd into delirium and, like Gavin predicted, the first half was all but forgotten. England managed to hang on, every block, tackle and clearance cheered with ferocity.
England Through to Semi-Finals
The final whistle felt like a relief after a tense, hard-fought game against Norway. England is through to the semi-finals and the nation can keep dreaming.
