England edges Norway 2-1 to reach World Cup semis; Bellingham scores twice amid controversy

England advanced to the World Cup semifinals by defeating Norway 2-1 in a tense quarterfinal match held in Miami. The victory was sealed by a late brace from Jude Bellingham, who proved decisive for the English side.

Norway took an early lead with a goal from Andreas Schjelderup, but Bellingham equalized just before halftime with a well-placed shot. The equalizer, however, became a point of contention as Norwegian players and coach Stale Solbakken claimed the ball had touched a cable supporting a television camera. Despite protests, the referee and VAR allowed the goal to stand, with FIFA sources later stating the ball's sensor indicated no contact.

In extra time, Bellingham scored the winning goal after the Norwegian goalkeeper Örjan Nyland fumbled a long-range shot. The rebound fell kindly to Bellingham, who easily slotted it home. Earlier in the second half, a Norwegian goal was disallowed after a VAR review for a foul by Erling Haaland. Additionally, a potential handball by Bellingham in the build-up to his second goal was reviewed but not penalized, despite strong appeals from the Norwegian team.

Bellingham's two goals bring his tournament tally to six in six matches, highlighting his crucial role for England. The win ends Norway's World Cup journey, while England progresses to face the winner of the Argentina-Switzerland match in the semifinals. This marks England's first World Cup semifinal appearance since 2018.