Bellingham's double sends England past Norway into World Cup semi-finals

Jude Bellingham scored both goals as England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in extra time in Miami, securing a place in the World Cup semi-finals. England will now face Argentina in the next round, a match that will be broadcast live on the BBC.

Thomas Tuchel's side struggled to break down a stubborn Norwegian defence for much of Saturday's contest. Declan Rice, who had been ill during the week, was deployed as the deepest midfielder to protect the back four from long balls into Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth. Rice did not look fully fit and was substituted at half-time alongside Noni Madueke, who failed to capitalize on early opportunities.

Norway took the lead when goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was caught out by an Andreas Schjelderup cross. England responded in the second half through Anthony Gordon, whose energy and assist set up Bellingham's equaliser after a driving run from Elliot Anderson. Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka came on in the 46th minute, with Saka delivering two dangerous crosses and making two crucial defensive tackles. Reece James entered the game in the 71st minute in centre midfield before shifting to right-back.

The English defence faced a sustained physical threat. Marc Guehi, playing despite a hamstring issue, effectively marshalled Haaland, while John Stones made a vital interception to deny the striker. Ezri Konsa was dependable at right-back, though one misplaced pass to Stones nearly gifted Norway a second goal. Nico O'Reilly, operating in a complex hybrid role as both a left-back and a number 10, was pinned back by Sorloth but avoided punishment when the striker shot over.

The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute when substitute Morgan Rogers forced a save that spilled into the path of Bellingham. Djed Spence, introduced in the 86th minute specifically to handle the threat of Oscar Bobb, won a penalty that was subsequently overturned by the video assistant referee. Dan Burn was brought on in the 111th minute to see out the final moments.

Bellingham has shouldered the attacking burden throughout the tournament. "He has dragged them through all tournament," reflecting his central role in keeping England's World Cup hopes alive. Despite his uncertain performance, Pickford made history by becoming England's most-capped World Cup player. Harry Kane had a first-half goal ruled out for offside.