Bellingham fires England into World Cup semis with extra-time winner

Jude Bellingham once again proved his status as England's linchpin, scoring two goals to inspire the Three Lions' comeback 2-1 victory over Norway in extra time and secure a place in the World Cup semifinals.

The 23-year-old midfielder continued his scoring form after netting two goals in England's Round of 16 win against Mexico, solidifying his role as the most crucial player for coach Thomas Tuchel's squad. Norway, who made history by reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, nearly pulled off another upset when Andreas Schjelderup put them ahead in the sweltering heat exceeding 30 degrees Celsius at Hard Rock Stadium.

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Jude Bellingham once again proved his status as England's linchpin, scoring two goals to inspire the Three Lions' comeback 2-1 victory over Norway in extra time and secure a place in the World Cup semifinals.

However, England remained composed. Bellingham equalized just before halftime, capitalizing on a swift move with Anthony Gordon. England thought they had taken the lead before the break, but Harry Kane's goal was disallowed for offside. In the second half, Tuchel made tactical substitutions, bringing on Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze for Noni Madueke and Declan Rice, who were reportedly unwell. These changes saw England lose midfield control, allowing Norway to press.

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Norway, who made history by reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, nearly pulled off another upset when Andreas Schjelderup put them ahead in the sweltering heat exceeding 30 degrees Celsius at Hard Rock Stadium.

Torbjorn Heggem's shot hit the post after a scramble where Erling Haaland was deemed to have pushed Elliott Anderson before a corner. Norway continued to pressure, but Kristoffer Ajer's header struck the woodwork as England's defense struggled. The match went into extra time as both teams fatigued in the high heat and humidity. Just as a penalty shootout seemed inevitable, Norway's goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made a significant error, fumbling a shot from Morgan Rogers. Bellingham, quick to react, pounced on the rebound to score the winning goal, his sixth of the tournament.

England was later awarded a penalty, but VAR intervened again, overturning the referee's decision as Djed Spence was found to have touched the ball first in the build-up. For Norway, the loss ended Erling Haaland's streak of scoring in 14 consecutive competitive matches for his country. The Manchester City striker had to be substituted in the first half of extra time due to exhaustion. This victory marks another comeback for England, following their wins against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mexico, though some of their performances have yet to be truly convincing. The Three Lions are now one step away from reaching the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years, facing either Argentina or Switzerland next.

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Just as a penalty shootout seemed inevitable, Norway's goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made a significant error, fumbling a shot from Morgan Rogers. Bellingham, quick to react, pounced on the rebound to score the winning goal, his sixth of the tournament.