England marched into the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a grueling 2-1 victory over Norway after extra-time at Miami Stadium on Saturday.
On a night defined by tactical tension and stifling Florida heat, Thomas Tuchel’s side once again showed immense resilience to secure their spot in the final four.
Norway entered their first-ever World Cup quarter-final playing with visible confidence.
Stale Solbakken’s men asked serious questions of the England backline early on, using the physical presence of Erling Haaland to cause chaos.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup hit a deceptive cross that went in off the far post, leaving Jordan Pickford stranded.
Faced with an organised Norwegian block, England needed a moment of inspiration. It came in first-half stoppage time via Jude Bellingham.
The Real Madrid midfielder collected a pass from Anthony Gordon, glided across the box, and drilled a precise left-foot finish through a crowd of defenders to level the score.
The second half became a battle of fine margins and VAR drama.
Norway looked to have restored their lead when Torbjorn Heggem bundled the ball in, but the video assistant intervened to disallow the goal for Haaland’s push on Elliot Anderson.
Moments later, Kristoffer Ajer rattled the crossbar for Norway as the match drifted into extra time.
Three minutes into the additional period, Bellingham proved his world-class credentials once again.
Substitute Morgan Rogers unleashed a fierce drive that Ørjan Nyland could only spill, and Bellingham reacted quickest to poke home the rebound.
From there, England managed to hold on for the remaining minutes with veteran composure, sealing a semi-final date in Atlanta against defending champions Argentina.