England reached the World Cup semi-finals on Sunday, July 12, 2026, with a thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, thanks to two goals from Jude Bellingham. The win showcased Bellingham's outstanding summer as England overcame an initial setback from Norway's fluke goal.
England's Journey to the Semi-Finals
The match started with a surprising twist as Norway's Andreas Schjelderup scored a fluke goal, putting England on the back foot. However, Bellingham quickly leveled the score before halftime with a stylish equalizer. His performance continued to shine, as he netted the winning goal in extra time, solidifying his status as the tournament's standout player.
This victory marks England's third World Cup semi-final appearance since their last triumph in 1966. They are set to face either Argentina or Switzerland in the last four, heightening the excitement among fans.
Player Ratings: Who Stood Out?
In a match filled with ups and downs, several players had noteworthy performances:
- Jordan Pickford: 6 - While he showed some jittery moments, he made crucial saves.
- Ezri Konsa: 6 - Solid in defense, though questioned for the Norway goal.
- Jude Bellingham: 9 - The star of the match with two goals and key contributions.
- Harry Kane: 5 - Struggled to make an impact, with no shots on target.
Other notable mentions include Elliot Anderson with a rating of 7 for his efforts in recovering balls and Noni Madueke who had a disappointing performance, rated at 5.
The Impact of Bellingham's Performance
Bellingham's two goals highlight his evolution as a player this summer. His ability to respond to pressure and deliver in critical moments has made him an invaluable asset to the England squad. With eight duels won, he demonstrated his dominance on the pitch, stepping up when others faltered.
As the tournament progresses, England fans will be hoping that Bellingham can maintain this form in the semi-finals. The team's reliance on their star player will be crucial if they aim to advance further in the competition.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Sky Sports Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
