A night of drama in Miami
England secured a hard‑fought 2‑1 victory over Norway at Miami’s stadium, a result that propels the Three Lions into the World Cup semi‑finals and keeps their hopes of replicating the 1966 triumph alive.
The opening strike came from Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup, whose spectacular long‑range effort in the 36th minute gave the visitors a deserved lead and set a competitive tone for the match.
England struggled to find rhythm early, with Harry Kane’s header ruled out for offside and several chances wasted, but the team gradually asserted control as the game progressed.
The tide turned when Jude Bellingham equalised in the second half, and the Real Madrid midfielder struck again in extra time to clinch the win, his second goal arriving after a scramble involving substitute Djed Spence.
Several VAR interventions shaped the contest: a Norway goal was disallowed after a foul by Erling Haaland, and an England penalty claim was overturned, adding tension in the dying moments of normal time.
Semi‑final prospects
Haaland, who had been held without a goal for the first time in 16 internationals, was taken off at halftime of extra time, ending his tournament tally of seven goals.
England coach Thomas Tuchel admitted after the match that his side’s performance was far from satisfactory despite the win, while Norway’s Stale Solbakken praised his squad’s pride and resilience.
With the semi‑final lineup now set, England will meet either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta, a clash that could restore the nation’s 1966 World Cup glory.