England surged into the World Cup semifinals after a tense 2-1 victory over Norway in extra time, a result that underscored the team's resilience under pressure.
Jude Bellingham was the decisive figure, striking twice to bring his tournament tally to six goals, level with England's all‑time leading scorer Harry Kane.
Tuchel's critique and Bellingham's rebuttal
Coach Thomas Tuchel did not mince words after the win, pointing to a lack of sharpness and cohesion despite the result, while Bellingham pushed back, emphasizing the squad's effort in a demanding environment.
Norway's Andreas Schjelderup opened the scoring in the 36th minute, but the team could not find a second goal, with Erling Haaland remaining quiet for the first time in the competition.
The match featured a series of dramatic moments, including a contentious foul claim involving Haaland and a brief pause to honor a late South African player, adding to the electric atmosphere.
FIFA later confirmed that the ball never made contact with an aerial camera cable, quelling speculation about an external interference.
With the win, England now prepares to meet Argentina in the semifinals, a clash that promises another chapter in their quest for the trophy.