00:05England are through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, but only after surviving one of
00:11their toughest tests of the tournament. Jude Bellingham scored twice, including a dramatic
00:17extra-time winner as England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in a tense quarter-final at
00:23Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. Played in brutal conditions with the heat index reaching 108
00:29degrees Fahrenheit, the match had everything. Controversy, VAR drama, missed chances, and a late
00:37twist that kept England's World Cup dream alive. The game had been billed as a battle between Harry
00:43Kane and Erling Haaland, but it was another Norwegian who stole the headlines early. In the 36th minute,
00:50Andreas Scheldrup fired Norway into the lead with a powerful finish that left England stunned.
00:56Norway looked confident and continued to threaten. Just before halftime, they had a golden opportunity
01:03to double their advantage. Alexander Serloth broke forward with Erling Haaland completely unmarked
01:09beside him, but instead of making the simple pass, Serloth chose to go alone, and the chance
01:15disappeared. It would prove to be a huge turning point. England found an unlikely route back into
01:21the match during first-half stoppage time. Norway goalkeeper Erjan Nyland launched a goal kick that
01:28struck an overhead television camera cable suspended above the pitch. Play continued despite the unusual
01:34incident, although many argued it should have been stopped under the laws of the game. Seconds later,
01:41England launched an attack. Jude Bellingham burst into the penalty area and drilled a low shot past
01:47Nyland to level the score at 1-1. The equaliser immediately sparked debate, with Norway left frustrated
01:54that play never stopped after the ball hit the overhead cable. Instead of going into halftime behind,
02:01England suddenly had all the momentum. Norway thought they had restored their lead just 10 minutes into the
02:07second half. Torbjörn Hegem found the back of the net and celebrated what looked like a crucial goal.
02:13But after a lengthy VAR review, officials ruled that Erling Haaland had fouled Elliot Anderson in the build-up.
02:20It was another huge escape for England. As temperatures continued to drain both teams, England struggled to
02:27create clear chances, while Norway continued searching for the breakthrough that would send them into the
02:33semi-finals. With extra time underway and penalties beginning to look inevitable, England found their
02:39hero once again. In the 93rd minute, substitute Morgan Rodgers unleashed a long-range effort that Norway
02:47goalkeeper Erjan Nyland could only spill. The loose ball fell perfectly for Jude Bellingham.
02:53The Real Madrid midfielder reacted quickest, smashing home the rebound to complete England's
02:59comeback. Two goals, one unforgettable performance, and England were suddenly just one match away from
03:06the World Cup final. Despite the victory, England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side had ridden
03:13their luck. He said,
03:14We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today. The result is fantastic. The last four is
03:21amazing, but not happy with the performance. We were very lucky today. It was an honest assessment
03:28after a match in which England survived controversy, defensive scares, and relentless Norwegian pressure.
03:34The final whistle confirmed England's place in the World Cup semi-finals. Jude Bellingham's brace proved
03:41decisive as the three Lions defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time. England will now face the winner of
03:48Argentina vs. Switzerland in what promises to be another blockbuster showdown. One thing is certain.
03:54If England are to reach the World Cup final, they'll need another special performance and perhaps a little
04:00less drama.
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