Jude Bellingham brace fires England past Norway, into FIFA World Cup semi-finals

Jude Bellingham brace fires England past Norway, into FIFA World Cup semi-finals

The midfielder settled the contest just three minutes into the additional period after Morgan Rogers' effort was pushed away by Orjan Nyland, allowing Bellingham to pounce from close range and send Thomas Tuchel's side into the semi-finals.

England had dominated possession throughout the opening stages, but Norway sat deep and frustrated the Three Lions with the same defensive blueprint that had helped them overcome Brazil in the previous round.

Despite controlling the ball, England fashioned few clear-cut opportunities during the opening 20 minutes.

Norway broke the deadlock shortly after the hydration break, in the 36th minute, when Martin Odegaard released Andreas Schjelderup, who drove into the penalty area before drilling his finish into the far corner from a tight angle.

England restored parity in first-half stoppage time through Bellingham, who collected Anthony Gordon's pass, surged into the box and found the net for his fifth goal of the tournament.

Tuchel had recalled John Stones to replace the suspended Jarell Quansah, while Ezri Konsa shifted across to right-back following England's midweek victory over co-hosts Mexico.

Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze were introduced at the start of the second half, but Norway looked the more threatening side. Torbjorn Lysaker Heggem had a goal ruled out after VAR determined Erling Haaland had fouled Elliot Anderson in the build-up, before David Wolfe's glancing header struck the crossbar with Jordan Pickford beaten.

England eventually prevailed after 90 minutes ended level, advancing to a third World Cup semi-final since lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy 60 years ago following previous last-four exits against West Germany in 1990 and Croatia in 2018.
 

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