"VAN" (Sports Desk - 12.07.2026) :: Jude Bellingham struck twice as England came from behind to beat Norway in extra time and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-finals. The Real Madrid midfielder cancelled out Andreas Schjelderup's opener late in the first half, before completing his brace in extra time to send Thomas Tuchel's side through. After a tentative start at Miami Stadium, Norway seized the initiative. Erling Haaland's header straight at Jordan Pickford was a warning England didn't heed, as Schjelderup swept a cross-shot in off the inside of the far post to give the Nordics a 36th-minute lead. The Three Lions weathered a wave of pressure before levelling in first-half stoppage time through Bellingham's driving run and cool finish. Harry Kane had the ball in the net moments later, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Torbjorn Heggem thought he had restored Norway's lead just before the hour mark, only for VAR to intervene and chalk off the effort for Haaland's push on Elliot Anderson following a corner. Tuchel's men survived another scare when Kristoffer Ajer headed against the crossbar, while Djed Spence almost capitalised on Nyland's hurried clearance as a tense contest went to extra time. Bellingham delivered the winner, reacting quickest from close range after Nyland spilled substitute Morgan Rogers' fierce strike to bring Norway's memorable World Cup run to an end. England will face defending champions Argentina in the semi-finals at Atlanta Stadium on 15 July. Cr-FIFA2026
On Sun, Jul 12, 2026