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Hey Jude: Bellingham delivers yet again as England end Norway's fairytale run to set up semi-final clash against Argentina
- Anweshan Ghosh
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
England advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway in extra time, with Jude Bellingham proving to be the difference-maker for the Three Lions on the biggest stage.
The Real Madrid midfielder scored twice as Thomas Tuchel's side rallied from behind to end Norway's historic run and set up an iconic clash with defending champions Argentina in Atalanta.
Norway arrived in Miami full of confidence after defeating Brazil in the Round of 16, with Erling Haaland scoring a sensational brace that knocked the five-time champions out. Ståle Solbakken's team played fearless football and made it to the World Cup quarter-finals, making history.
They started perfectly against England, taking the lead in the 36th minute. Andreas Schjelderup gave the Vikings a well-deserved lead when his cross deflected off the far post and into the goal. England appeared rattled until they conceded the goal, as the Norwegians continued to press with confidence and defend with tenacity.
However, the biggest talking point of the game occurred just before halftime. Although Jude Bellingham scored a brilliant equaliser, Norway claimed that goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland's long clearance struck an overhead spider-cam cable before dropping to Harry Kane, who initiated the attack.
The video replay clearly showed that it occurred, but the match official did not investigate it. According to FIFA rules, play must stop if the ball makes contact with an outside object, but this was not even checked by VAR, raising suspicions.
After the game, FIFA claimed that the connected ball technology did not detect any contact between the ball and the overhead cable, so play was allowed to continue and Bellingham's goal was valid. However, this decision prompted widespread criticism of refereeing on social media. The equaliser shifted the momentum of the game in England's favour.
Tuchel's side improved after halftime, but they still struggled to find an opening against Norway's staunch defence. Norway missed numerous opportunities, including Alexander Sørloth's decision to shoot himself instead of passing the ball to an unmarked Haaland, which drew widespread criticism after the game.
As the game entered extra time, Norway appeared tired, which England took full advantage of. The Three Lions scored almost immediately after Morgan Rogers' shot was saved by Nyland, but Bellingham reacted quickly to score the winner.
It was his second goal of the night and his sixth from open play this tournament. Norway continued to attack, but England's defensive structure remained rigid as Thomas Tuchel's team grinded out a victory in a difficult game.
Bellingham, who had already proven himself against Mexico in the Round of 16 at the Azteca, demonstrated why he is so important to this English team and his growing influence on it.
He delivered when his country needed him the most, and his goal-scoring ability has elevated him to one of the World Cup's standout performers, alongside Harry Kane.
Norway exits the World Cup with their heads held high. Reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in history, and defeating Brazil along the way, demonstrates how far they have come as a team.
While England will play in the semi-finals, it should not overshadow Norway's success in the World Cup, where they have established themselves as a major force in international football.
In the semi-finals, England will face Argentina, its rivals from the Falkland Islands. With Lionel Messi leading the defending champions in his final World Cup match and Jude Bellingham leading the Three Lions, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated and exciting World Cup semi-finals in recent memory.
Thomas Tuchel's team will look to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966, when they won.
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