Jude Bellingham scored twice, including a dramatic extra-time winner, as England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 on Saturday and book their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Bellingham struck in the 93rd minute to settle a tense quarter-final at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, keeping England’s World Cup dream alive after a performance manager Thomas Tuchel admitted was far from convincing.
England will face either defending champions Argentina or Switzerland in Wednesday’s semi-final.
“We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today,” Tuchel said after the match.
“The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but not happy with the performance… we were very lucky today.”
England rode their luck throughout the contest, played in punishing heat with the heat index reaching 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius).
Bellingham’s first goal, which levelled the score in first-half stoppage time, came after a controversial incident when a goal-kick from Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland struck an overhead television camera cable. Under the laws of the game, the goal-kick should have been retaken, but play continued and England capitalised.
Norway thought they had restored their lead in the 55th minute when Torbjorn Heggem found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review deemed Erling Haaland had fouled Elliot Anderson in the build-up.
With the match drifting into extra time and England showing signs of fatigue, the decisive moment arrived in the 93rd minute. Substitute Morgan Rogers unleashed a long-range effort that Nyland could only parry into the path of Bellingham, who calmly fired home the rebound.
The quarter-final had been billed as a showdown between England captain Harry Kane and Norway striker Erling Haaland, but neither dominated proceedings as expected.
Norway had taken the lead in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup’s powerful finish, while Haaland was substituted in extra time as the Scandinavians searched unsuccessfully for an equaliser.
The Norwegians also squandered a golden opportunity just before halftime. Alexander Sorloth surged forward on the counterattack with Haaland unmarked alongside him but opted to shoot instead of passing, allowing England to escape.
Moments later, Bellingham punished that missed opportunity by firing England level after the controversial goal-kick incident.
The victory raises the prospect of a blockbuster semi-final between England and long-time rivals Argentina.
Argentina eye another step towards title defence
Defending champions Argentina face Switzerland later on Saturday in Kansas City as they continue their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni’s side cruised through the group stage but have been tested in the knockout rounds, surviving stern challenges from tournament debutants Cape Verde and Egypt.
Captain Lionel Messi, who turned 39 during the group phase, has once again led Argentina’s charge with a series of influential performances.
Switzerland, however, believe they can spring another surprise.
Midfielder Granit Xhaka urged supporters to keep believing ahead of the quarter-final.
“Regarding the fans, keep dreaming. I am a person who always dreams, and dreams can come true,” Xhaka said.
“Sometimes you need to do something new. You really need to push your limits if you want to beat Argentina. And I’m convinced my team is ready.”
AFP
