Bellingham brace sends England into World Cup semi-finals

By Trust Ittai

England moved within one victory of reaching their first FIFA Men's World Cup final since their historic 1966 triumph after Jude Bellingham produced a sensational two-goal performance to inspire a dramatic 2-1 extra-time comeback win over Norway in Miami.

Thomas Tuchel's side overcame the challenging heat and humidity to book their place in the semi-finals, where they will face either Argentina or Switzerland. Once again, Bellingham proved to be England's match-winner, delivering when it mattered most.

Norway struck first in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup, whose dipping effort deceived goalkeeper Jordan Pickford before finding the back of the net.

England responded in first-half stoppage time, with Bellingham restoring parity in trademark fashion. The Real Madrid midfielder latched onto Anthony Gordon's perfectly weighted pass before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

Tuchel made two key changes at the interval, withdrawing the influential Declan Rice, who had been battling illness and injury and Noni Madueke. Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka were introduced as England searched for a winner.

Norway came close to reclaiming the lead in the second half, with Torbjorn Heggem having a goal ruled out after Erling Haaland was adjudged to have fouled Elliot Anderson in the build-up.

David Moller Wolfe also rattled the crossbar as the Scandinavian side continued to threaten.

However, Bellingham once again rose to the occasion early in extra time. In the 93rd minute, he reacted quickly after Nyland could only parry Morgan Rogers' powerful effort, slotting home the rebound to complete his match-winning brace.

Haaland, who was well contained throughout the contest, was substituted at the interval of extra time as England comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.

The victory sends England into their third World Cup semi-final since lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy six decades ago.

Tuchel's men will now be aiming to end the heartbreak of previous semi-final defeats to West Germany in 1990 and Croatia in 2018 by securing a place in the World Cup final.

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