England battled past Norway after extra time in Miami in a tense World Cup 2026 quarter-final as talisman Jude Bellingham delivered again.
After a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, Bellingham slotted home a rebound from Orjan Nyland’s spill just three minutes into the extra half-an-hour to put the Three Lions into a second semi-final in the past three World Cups, with Argentina or Switzerland now lying in wait on Wednesday evening.
However, England boss Thomas Tuchel wasn’t happy with the performance, describing his side as “lucky” and clashing with ITV broadcaster Gabriel Clarke in an explosive interview. When Tuchel’s criticisms were put to Bellingham, he said “whatever… My thoughts are with the players, who put in a great shift out there.”
Tuchel’s side were unconvincing for large parts of the initial 90 minutes but Bellingham equalised on the stroke of half-time in normal time with a lovely finish from Anthony Gordon’s ball to feet after Andreas Schjelderup’s bizarre goal had put Norway ahead on 36 minutes – mishitting a cross that flew into the top corner via Jordan Pickford’s post. Erling Haaland was shockingly subbed off at half-time of extra time, potentially with a slight injury, but England held on.
Follow all the action from the World Cup quarter-final with our live blog below:
Switzerland manager criticises controversial new ‘mistaken identity’ rule after World Cup exit
Yakin said: “The VAR and referee, the fact they introduced such a rule is unnecessary and I try to put it in very kind words but I think it is extremely hurtful. We are not going to go to the semi-finals but I think we deserved to be there.
“We were punished for a rule that is completely unacceptable. I don’t understand. It is very painful we are eliminated that way. I don’t think we deserved it and in my opinion our boys are the real heroes.
“The referee makes that one decision that he interfered, it is completely misunderstandable. That is a situation that happened many times previously. He awarded a yellow card. This rule destroyed our game today.
“There was definitely no reason to award that yellow card, I don’t understand it, it was a harmless situation, he should have let the ball freely.”
Switzerland manager criticises controversial new ‘mistaken identity’ rule after World Cup exit
Embolo was shown a second yellow card when, initially, Leandro Paredes had been cautioned for a challenge on him – only for referee Joao Pinheiro to review the incident and conclude the Switzerland striker had dived.
But Yakin argued it should never have got that far by saying that Paredes should not have been booked for his challenge and that Embolo was left “shattered” by his red card.
Jude Bellingham on pulling level with Harry Kane on six World Cup 2026 goals
“Yeah, probably a bit beyond, to be honest,” he said. “I’m a confident boy, but I don’t think you go to bed at night dreaming about games like that.
“So, it’s nice to have an impact and to help my team. But my God, the effort of those lads in there.
“I’m so proud of how they keep battling, regardless of what situations we find ourselves in.
“They can be really proud, and I know they are. And I’ll make sure they feel that as well.”
Ian Wright hails vital part of Jude Bellingham’s England goal against Norway: ‘Absolute star’
Bellingham struck in the second minute of stoppage time in the first half to bring England level after Andreas Schjelderup’s opener for Norway in Miami.
And after Gary Neville described the Real Madrid midfielder as “an absolute star,” following his powerful run and finish for Thomas Tuchel’s side, Ian Wright heaped praise on a key part of the goal.
Norway furious after Jude Bellingham’s England goal not ruled out as ball appears to hit cable
That’s because Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland’s goal kick appeared to touch a cable above the Miami Stadium.
The ball was then dropped into the path of Elliot Anderson, who exchanged a pass with Anthony Gordon, with the ball then fizzed into Bellingham, who dribbled into the penalty area and finished strongly.
Erling Haaland’s father blames referee for Norway defeat to England
England eked out a 2-1 extra-time victory to seal their place in the semi-finals with Jude Bellingham scoring both, first cancelling out Andreas Schjelderup’s opener on the brink of half-time before pouncing on a rebound in the 93rd minute to net the winner.
However, England’s win did not go without controversy, with question marks surrounding their equaliser as well as the chalking off of Norway’s second goal, which might have proved the difference in normal time had it stood.
Jordan Henderson opens door to shock World Cup semi-final return after freak injury
Jordan Henderson has refused to rule out a shock return in the World Cup semi-finals after his freak arm break in the celebrations of England’s win over Mexico.
Henderson, an unused substitute in the 3-2 last-16 victory at Estadio Azteca, slipped when attempting to leap over an advertising board after the match and landed awkwardly, with medics urgently rushing over to his aid.
Norway vs England player ratings
Bukayo Saka, 7: A late dribble almost ended in a second goal for England, and the Arsenal man was a nightmare for the Norway defenders. He also offered a constant outlet that was often much appreciated, and was unlucky not to get a goal or assist.
Reece James, 7: Was as dependable as ever after coming on, whether asked to play in midfield or at full-back. Dealt well with the threat offered by Antonio Nusa.
Djed Spence, 7: The Spurs defender brought some much-needed energy at a crucial time and was unlucky to have a penalty decision overruled. Defended diligently and was a threat in attack too.
Dan Burn, 6: Did exactly what was asked of him, as was the case against Mexico.
Norway vs England player ratings
Harry Kane, 6: The England captain looked tired at times in tough conditions in Miami, and he didn’t threaten much in the original 90 minutes. Was as reliable as ever on the ball for the most part, but it was a quiet day for one of the world’s best strikers.
Anthony Gordon, 6: The winger came into the game off the back of a superb showing against Mexico but he was less effective in Miami. He was neutralised early on but was always looking to make something happen.
Eberechi Eze, 6: Wasn’t able to get into the game as an attacking threat either in midfield or when on the wing, but was solid in possession and was key further back in the build-up to a lot of England’s good attacking play. Could see plenty of opportunity depending on what has happened with Rice.
Morgan Rogers, 6: Another who brought energy and composure to the midfield at a vital time. It was his long-range effort that led to the second goal as Bellingham tapped in.
Norway vs England player ratings
Declan Rice, 6: A couple of poor set-pieces in the first half but he was assured in possession and helped his side control the game in parts. England fans will be hoping his half-time substitution was precautionary more than anything else.
Jude Bellingham, 9: Once again took matters into his own hands as he beat two defenders before sliding in a superb equaliser. Was superb in the first half but found himself a victim of England’s subs as he was forced to play more defensively in the second half, though that mattered little as he fired in the rebound for 2-1.
Noni Madueke, 4: It didn’t happen for the Arsenal winger in a first half in which he fluffed a couple of promising England moves. A poor cross, and offside and a handball were enough for Tuchel to hook him at the break.
