Bellingham’s extra-time winner sends England into World Cup semi-finals

By Sanjay Menon — 12 July 2026 — 3 min read

England Secures Semi-Final Berth

England has advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway. The decisive goal came from Jude Bellingham, who capitalised on a goalkeeping error in the additional period to secure his team’s progression.

The match, played in Miami, saw Norway take the lead in the first half through Andreas Schjelderup. His cross-shot found the back of the net, putting pressure on Thomas Tuchel‘s side. However, Bellingham quickly responded with an equaliser, ensuring the teams went into halftime level.

The second half of regular time saw Norway assert control, creating several opportunities. England‘s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, made some crucial saves, and a goal from Torbjørn Heggem was disallowed after a VAR review for a foul by Erling Haaland on Elliot Anderson. The tension remained high, with Kristoffer Ajer hitting the crossbar in the 76th minute, denying Norway a potential winner.

Controversy and Key Moments

The game was not without controversy. Bellingham‘s equaliser, which made the score 1-1, came after a sequence that raised questions. Television replays suggested the ball might have struck an aerial camera suspended above the pitch after a goal kick from Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Håskjold Nyland. According to FIFA regulations, play should be stopped and restarted with a dropped ball if the ball contacts an outside agent like a camera. However, FIFA later stated that the ball’s internal tracking technology did not register any abnormal signal or impact.

Despite the protests from the Norwegian camp, including manager Ståle Solbakken and striker Erling Haaland, the goal stood. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg commented that VAR could have intervened if the contact with the camera wire was part of a reviewable incident, especially an attacking phase leading to a goal.

As the match moved into extra time, England started strongly. Morgan Rogers, introduced as a substitute, had a shot from outside the area that Nyland spilled. Bellingham was quick to react, slotting home the rebound to put England ahead 2-1. This goal marked Bellingham‘s sixth of the tournament, placing him in contention for the Golden Boot.

Later in extra time, England was initially awarded a penalty after Djed Spence went down in the box under a challenge from Oscar Bobb. However, referee Clement Turpin reversed his decision after a VAR review. Norway continued to push for an equaliser, with substitutes Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb having chances, but England‘s defence held firm.

Challenges and Player Performances

The match was played in challenging conditions, with temperatures reaching 33C and 65% humidity at kick-off. This was England‘s first significant test in such heat during the tournament, having previously played in air-cooled domes or milder environments. The conditions contributed to a slower tempo in the first half.

Thomas Tuchel made several tactical adjustments throughout the game. In the second half, he brought on Bukayo Saka for Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze for Declan Rice. Later, in extra time, Dan Burn was introduced for Jude Bellingham to strengthen the defence as England sought to protect their lead. Erling Haaland was withdrawn after the first period of extra time due to an apparent injury, replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Jude Bellingham was a standout performer, providing both the equaliser and the winning goal. His contributions were crucial in driving England into the semi-finals, and he is considered a strong candidate for player of the tournament. Norway‘s goalkeeper, Ørjan Håskjold Nyland, was visibly emotional after the final whistle, with his extra-time error proving costly for his team.

England will now prepare for their semi-final match.

Source: theguardian.com