The Prince of Wales has congratulated England after the team beat Norway 2-1 to book a spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup. The victory marks England's first semi-final appearance since 2018.
Bellingham Stars as England Triumph
Jude Bellingham emerged as the hero, scoring both goals for England. After Norway's Andreas Schjelderup put the visitors ahead in the 36th minute, Bellingham equalised just before half-time. He then struck again in the third minute of extra time to seal the win.
Writing on social media platform X, William said: "Well done England! Top performance in a tough environment. This is a special team. Commiserations to a proud Norway team. Onto the semi final… Never in doubt! W"
Starmer Joins Praise
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also congratulated the team, referencing Bjorge Lillelien's famous commentary when Norway beat England 2-1 in a 1981 World Cup qualifier. Tagging Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store, Sir Keir wrote: "Norway 1 – 2 Jude Bellingham. @JonasGahrStore, your boys took one hell of beating."
England will face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday in the semi-final.
Fans Celebrate Across the Globe
In Miami, England fans were jubilant after the match. Scott Bickerton, 33, from Solihull, told the Press Association: "We're going to win it, aren't we? This is the year, we're going to win it. I'm confident." Asked what makes him confident, he said: "Bellingham. Birmingham City, world class."
His friend Ashley Wager, 32, from Birmingham, added: "Bellingham again. Saves the day again. It's coming home, we're going to do it."
Jamie Smith, 31, from Birmingham, said: "Shaky first half but dug deep. Jude saved us again." Alex Jay, 45, from Birmingham, described the match as "a tough watch" but said "they turned it around and did what they had to do."
Russell Osborne, 34, from Birmingham, expressed confidence: "I think we've got it this year. The team spirit's there, the confidence is there."
Jim Thompson, 57, from Leeds, said he planned to miss the second leg of his flight home to Manchester as his layover is in Atlanta. "I think they can go all the way this time," he said. "The quality in the squad, it's absolutely fantastic. We started off slow but they're coming strong now – which I knew they would."
London Venue Erupts
In London, overjoyed football fans packed out the Boxpark bar in Wembley, belting out Three Lions and Hey Jude. Fabian Maddix, 31, said watching the game was "euphoric," adding: "I had hopes but after the first goal went in from them, I started doubting things, but I always believe." He said he planned to go home and celebrate.
Kish Kerai, 34, said the match was "electrifying" but that he planned to go home and sleep. He said: "I had doubts but I feel like England have courage and they have heart, which you can't replace and nothing on paper will ever be able to replace that."
Some 1,600 football fans wearing St George's flag bucket hats packed out the venue, singing chants and songs before the match. Fans went silent after Norway's goal, but erupted when Bellingham equalised, launching pints into the air and singing Hey Jude. Celebrations continued after Bellingham's second goal.
Number 10 Downing Street was decorated with St George's flags ahead of the match. A silence was held before the game to honour South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who died aged 25, just weeks after featuring in all three of his country's group matches at the World Cup.
