Jude Bellingham scores twice as England defeats Norway 2-1 in World Cup quarterfinals

Jude Bellingham propelled England into the World Cup semifinals with a stunning performance on July 11, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Three Lions overcame a 1-0 deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against Norway, ending their hopes of reaching the last four for the first time in history.

Bellingham's Impact in the Quarterfinals

Bellingham's two goals not only secured England's place in the semifinals but also tied him with teammate Harry Kane at six goals in the tournament. This remarkable feat puts them just behind Kylian Mbappé of France and Lionel Messi of Argentina, who have eight goals each.

England's journey to the semifinals marks their second appearance in three World Cups, as they prepare to face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday. Despite the win, England coach Thomas Tuchel expressed concerns about the team’s performance, stating, "The result is fantastic, we're in the last four, it's amazing, but not happy with the performance."

Match Highlights and Controversies

The match began with Norway taking the lead in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup, whose shot deflected off the far post, catching England's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford off guard. Bellingham equalized in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a controversial play where a ball appeared to have hit an aerial camera cable before reaching him.

As the game progressed into extra time, Bellingham scored again just three minutes in, giving England a crucial lead. The match was further marked by disallowed goals from both teams and a penalty decision reversed by video review.

Coaching Decisions and Player Performances

Norway's coach Ståle Solbakken made a surprising decision to substitute star striker Erling Haaland with Jørgen Strand Larsen at halftime during extra time, as both teams struggled with the oppressive heat. Bellingham, however, dismissed criticisms of the team's performance, stating, "It's difficult out there, it's a tough shift, all the players have put in a very tough shift."

As England prepares for their semifinal match, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum while addressing the performance issues highlighted by Tuchel.