Jude Bellingham scored both goals, including an extra-time winner, to carry England past a resilient Norway 2-1 in a grueling World Cup quarter-final played in extreme heat, securing their semi-final berth.
England advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory against Norway in a challenging quarter-final match, where temperatures soared to 33C with 65% humidity. Manager Thomas Tuchel had called for his team to 'release the handbrake,' and Jude Bellingham answered, delivering a phenomenal performance. Norway initially took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup's cross-cum-shot after a defensive lapse. However, Bellingham quickly responded with a brilliant equalizer, slicing through the defense and finishing low. Despite England's struggles with cohesion and tactical adjustments, particularly in the second half where Norway created numerous chances and had a goal disallowed, they managed to hold on. Bellingham then capitalized on a goalkeeping error by Ørjan Håskjold Nyland early in extra time to tap in the winning goal, marking his sixth of the tournament and putting him in contention for the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament. England successfully contained Erling Haaland, who was substituted in extra time. The match was a true test of endurance and tactical flexibility for Tuchel's side, who, despite not delivering a cohesive team performance, found a way to win through individual moments of brilliance, primarily from Bellingham.
