England Relies on Jude Bellingham's Maradona-Like Performance to Beat Norway

England's victory over Mexico in the 2026 World Cup highlighted Jude Bellingham's extraordinary performance, drawing comparisons to Diego Maradona's legendary 1986 Azteca Stadium display. Bellingham scored twice, took three shots on target, completed eight dribbles, and won 10 duels, with Mexico managing to tackle him only once out of 16 attempts. This feat marks the highest number of successful evasions by a player in a 2026 World Cup match so far. He also leads England in passes received (347), sprinting (269), and expected goals (xG), underscoring his vital role as the team's midfield dynamo.

Alongside Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson, Bellingham forms a midfield trio that has been England's key advantage throughout the tournament. Anderson ranks second in duels won with 43, while striker Harry Kane remains a constant threat, ranking fifth in shots on goal and contributing significantly with 81 goal involvements in 63 games this season for club and country. England will need both Bellingham and Kane at their peak to advance past Norway and potentially face stronger teams like Argentina, France, or Spain.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also impressed against Mexico with five punches of aerial balls, the highest for any goalkeeper in the tournament so far. Defender Dan Burn, despite limited playtime, set a record with six clearances from the penalty area. England anticipates relying on Burn's physical presence to counter Norway's Erling Haaland, who scores with remarkable efficiency despite low ball touches.

To overcome Norway, England must dominate midfield battles, effectively supply Bellingham and Kane near the goal, win aerial duels in the penalty area, and leverage their deeper, more experienced squad. Preventing Haaland from receiving the ball in dangerous positions will be crucial to their success in the upcoming knockout stage.