England Reaches World Cup Semifinals with Bellingham Brace Against Norway

England has advanced to the World Cup semifinals for the fourth time in history and the first since 2018, following a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, the tournament's surprise quarterfinalist. Jude Bellingham scored twice, overturning an early lead by Norway's Anders Schjelderup. The match featured controversy over England's equalizing goal, where goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's long kick allegedly crossed the camera line, but the referee allowed play to continue, leading to Bellingham's equalizer.

The game was largely uneventful until Norway took the lead in the 36th minute. England failed to register a shot on target in the second half, but substitutions by coach Thomas Tuchel proved decisive. Bellingham scored the winning goal in the 93rd minute after a poor save by Norway's goalkeeper, Ørjan Nyland. Norway also made a puzzling substitution, replacing star striker Erling Haaland in the 105th minute.

England now aims to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, the year they last won the tournament. The victory over Norway, who reached the quarterfinals for the first time ever, marks a significant milestone for the Three Lions as they continue their pursuit of the trophy.