Double Goal Bellingham Sends England Through to World Cup Semi-Final
The 23-year-old has become England’s decisive figure at this tournament, combining the drive of Gerrard, the goalscoring ability of Lampard and the vision of Scholes in one complete package.
Bellingham, Bellingham
England beat Norway 2-1 on Saturday to book their ticket for the semi-finals of the World Cup, with striker Jude Bellingham scoring twice. The England-vs-Norway quarter-final played in intense Florida heat after a delayed kick-off, producing a contest full of momentum swings and late drama.
But once again, England turned to their midfield superstar when they needed inspiration, and in him they found it.
Before kick-off, both teams observed a moment of silence in memory of Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who died on Saturday morning. Then, the game.
England started positively, with Noni Madueke providing an early threat from the right, while Norway looked to use the pace and power of Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth in attack.
After a cautious opening, Norway grew into the game and eventually punished England’s defensive mistakes.
In the 36th minute, Andreas Schjelderup produced a moment of individual brilliance, sending a stunning effort into the top corner after receiving the ball from Martin Ødegaard.
It was Norway’s first-ever goal in a World Cup quarter-final, and it appeared they were on course for another night of revelling, the second after eliminating Brazil, five-time winner of the cup.
England, however, responded shortly afterwards. In first-half stoppage time, Anthony Gordon created space down the left before finding Bellingham inside the box. The midfielder controlled the ball with one touch before firing a powerful low finish beyond the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
The 23-year-old has become England’s decisive figure at this tournament, combining the drive of Steven Gerrard, the goalscoring ability of Frank Lampard and the vision of Paul Scholes in one complete midfield package.
Norway came out strongly after the break and thought they had regained the lead when Torbjørn Heggem bundled the ball home following a corner. However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out because of a foul by Haaland in the build-up.
Holding Firm
The second half remained tense, with Norway creating clearer opportunities. Kristoffer Ajer hit the crossbar, while Jordan Pickford was forced into important saves to keep England alive.
Neither side could find a winner in normal time, sending the match into extra time. And six minutes into extra time, Bellingham struck again to complete his second brace of the tournament and put England ahead 2-1.
His goalscoring form has placed him among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot, while his influence has drawn comparisons with some of England’s greatest tournament performers.
Since 1966, only Harry Kane and David Beckham have recorded more goal involvements for England at major tournaments than Bellingham, who has now matched Gary Lineker’s contribution with his performances on the international stage.
Norway continued pushing for an equaliser, but England’s defence held firm. John Stones, Marc Guéhi and Pickford made crucial interventions as Thomas Tuchel’s side protected their narrow advantage.
The final whistle confirmed England’s return to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2018, when they reached the last four in Russia before losing 2-1 to Croatia after extra time.
England now await their semi-final opponent, which will be decided by the quarter-final clash between defending champions Argentina and Switzerland.
