England secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals on July 12, 2026, advancing to the semi-finals. Manager Thomas Tuchel expressed frustration with his team's performance, stating they were 'lucky' to win and citing 'sloppy' play as a concern. Jude Bellingham scored both goals for England, further solidifying his status as a key player.
Tuchel's Concerns After Quarter-Final Match
After the match in Miami, Tuchel reflected on the challenges his team faced. 'We got lucky,' he remarked, noting that Norway had numerous opportunities, including a disallowed goal and a shot that hit the bar. Despite the win, Tuchel emphasized the need for improvement: 'We made life very, very difficult for ourselves.'
Tuchel praised the team's mentality, suggesting it played a crucial role in their advancement. 'This is pure mentality,' he stated. However, he acknowledged that the performance left much to be desired, citing technical mistakes and a lack of speed. 'We can play better, there are a lot of things to do better.'
Bellingham's Impact on the Game
Jude Bellingham, who scored both goals in the match, responded to Tuchel's criticism. 'It's difficult out there, it’s a tough shift,' he said, highlighting the effort put in by all players. Bellingham's goals came at critical moments, with one just after half-time and another in the dying minutes of extra time, bringing his World Cup tally to six goals.
