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Jude Bellingham once again proved to be England’s saviour as his two goals sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Norway in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final. The Three Lions fell behind in the first half, but Bellingham equalised just before the break and then struck the winner early in extra-time to book a semi-final clash against either Argentina or Switzerland.

England dominated most of the opening 45 minutes but struggled to turn possession into chances in the oppressive Florida heat. They were punished when Andreas Schjelderup’s curling cross from the left deceived Jordan Pickford and went in off the post.

Thomas Tuchel’s men looked unsettled after conceding, with Alexander Sorloth and Martin Odegaard both squandering chances to double Norway’s advantage. However, England hit back in first-half stoppage time when Bellingham latched onto Anthony Gordon’s clever pass, surged into the area, and fired a precise shot into the bottom corner.

Both Harry Kane and Torbjorn Heggem had goals ruled out on either side of half-time, while Kristoffer Ajer’s looping header rattled the crossbar as Norway continued to threaten from set-pieces. Despite their efforts, neither team could find a decisive second goal in normal time.

England needed just three minutes of extra-time to take the lead. Morgan Rogers’ effort from the edge of the box was spilled by Orjan Nyland, and Bellingham reacted fastest to slot home the rebound. Moments later, Djed Spence thought he had won a penalty, only for VAR to overturn the decision.

Spence and Bukayo Saka both tested Nyland early in the second half of extra-time, but England were forced onto the back foot for most of the period. They held firm defensively to secure a hard-fought place in the final four.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Jordan Pickford (4/10): Only he will know why he withdrew his hand from Schjelderup’s cross that looped into his net. The mistake seemed to affect his confidence, as his handling was shaky throughout the second half.

Ezri Konsa (6/10): Made a few solid recoveries early on but gave Schjelderup too much space for the opening goal. Offered little going forward from right-back but made a crucial clearance to deny Berge in the second half.

John Stones (5/10): Making his first start since the tournament opener, Stones appeared rusty. He was dispossessed a few times, gifting Norway opportunities, though he did manage some important headed clearances.

Marc Guehi (7/10): Dealt well with the physical challenge of Erling Haaland and showed strength in duels. Produced a superb block to deny Nusa during extra-time.

Nico O'Reilly (6/10): Linked up nicely with Gordon in attack, but his tendency to drift into midfield from left-back left gaps behind him. Managed to track back for several key defensive interventions.

Midfield

Declan Rice (4/10): Having battled illness before the game, Rice appeared off the pace and lacked his usual energy. His set-piece deliveries were disappointing before being substituted at half-time.

Elliot Anderson (8/10): Displayed an impressive range of passing and physical presence in midfield. Initiated the move that led to Bellingham’s equaliser.

Jude Bellingham (10/10): A masterclass performance. His first goal epitomised a display full of control, composure, and quick-footed brilliance. Always influential, and he showed great awareness to capitalise on Nyland’s error for the winner.

Attack

Noni Madueke (4/10): Found himself in promising positions but wasted them with poor final passes. Substituted at half-time for Saka.

Harry Kane (5/10): Careless in possession prior to Norway’s opener and lacked sharpness in front of goal. Couldn’t impose himself as expected.

Anthony Gordon (7/10): Delivered a superb assist for Bellingham’s equaliser and was lively when driving forward. It was surprising to see him taken off midway through the second half.

Substitutes & Manager

Bukayo Saka (7/10): Took time to settle after coming on at half-time but grew into the game with dangerous crosses and exciting dribbles.

Eberechi Eze (5/10): Replaced Rice at the break. Showed neat footwork but struggled to impact proceedings in the final third.

Reece James (6/10): Started in midfield before dropping to right-back, performing reliably in both positions.

Djed Spence (7/10): Almost grabbed a late winner in normal time by pressuring Nyland and caused plenty of problems with his pace. Unlucky that the penalty call was overturned.

Morgan Rogers (6/10): His shot led directly to Bellingham’s decisive goal, even if the initial attempt lacked power.

Dan Burn (N/A): Introduced late in extra-time to strengthen the defence and see out the win.

Thomas Tuchel (7/10): Starting Madueke and an unfit Rice backfired early, but his in-game management was decisive. England looked stronger after his substitutions, even with players adapting to multiple roles.