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FIFA World Cup 2026

Bellingham the hero again as England edge Norway into semis

Sports Desk

Jude Bellingham produced another masterclass in the biggest moments, scoring twice to drag England past a stubborn Norway and into the World Cup semi-finals in sweltering Miami heat on Sunday.

The Real Madrid star's brace, including a predatory extra-time winner, means England will face either Argentina or Switzerland for a place in the final.

This was Bellingham’s second successive brace in the World Cup, having scored twice against Mexico in the Round of 16 in England 3-2 win.

Norway struck first in bizarre fashion. Andreas Schjelderup's floated cross caught the wind, kissed the far post, and looped over Jordan Pickford into the top corner in the 36th minute.

England needed a hero, and Bellingham duly obliged before the break. Anthony Gordon fed him on the edge of the box, and he took a touch before smashing left-footed past Orjan Nyland.

Norway briefly restored their advantage through Torbjorn Heggem in the second half, who pounced at the back post from a corner, only for the goal to be chalked off for a Haaland foul in the build-up.

Kristoffer Ajer's header cannoned back off the crossbar as Norway searched for a late winner, but the sides couldn't be separated after 90 gruelling minutes in the Miami sun.

Extra time beckoned, and it was Bellingham who once again rose to the occasion. Nyland spilled a stinging effort from Morgan Rogers, and the England talisman pounced fastest to slot home.

It was his sixth goal of the tournament, level with Kane, and made him only the second player after Kylian Mbappe to score seven World Cup goals before turning 24.

Haaland, Norway's talisman, was withdrawn shortly after as the visitors searched desperately for a route back into the contest against a deep, disciplined England defence.

England were handed a penalty when Djed Spence tumbled under Oscar Bobb's challenge, only for the decision to be overturned on review moments later.

Norway continued to push, with Fredrik Aursnes heading over and Bobb blazing a close-range volley over the bar as England's rearguard withstood wave after wave of pressure.

At the other end, Bukayo Saka twice went close, while a follow-up from Spence was also kept out, as Nyland stood firm to keep Norway's hopes alive until the whistle.

Bellingham, his work done, was withdrawn late on for Dan Burn as England shut up shop and prepared to see out a hard-earned victory.

England held their nerve through a frantic finish, surviving a string of corners and late Norwegian pressure, to book their spot in the World Cup's final four.

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