Jude Bellingham scored a crucial second-half goal to lead England to a 2-1 victory over Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals, booking their place in the semifinals. The match, played at a packed stadium, saw England overcome a resilient Norwegian side that had equalized early in the second half.
Match Highlights
England took the lead in the 23rd minute through a well-worked team goal finished by Harry Kane. Norway responded after the break, with Erling Haaland leveling the score in the 51st minute with a powerful header. The game remained tense until Bellingham struck in the 67th minute, latching onto a loose ball inside the box and firing past the Norwegian goalkeeper.
According to match statistics, England dominated possession with 58% and registered 12 shots on target compared to Norway's 6. The win sets up a semifinal clash against either Brazil or France, scheduled for next week.
Player Reactions
Jude Bellingham said after the match, "It was a tough game, but we showed character to come back after their equalizer. I'm just happy to help the team reach the semis." England manager Gareth Southgate praised his team's resilience: "We knew Norway would be dangerous, especially with Haaland. To come through like this shows the spirit in the squad."
Impact and Next Steps
England's progression to the semifinals marks their third consecutive World Cup semifinal appearance, a testament to their consistency under Southgate. The team will now prepare for a high-stakes match against one of the tournament favorites. Fans across the country celebrated the victory, with viewing parties erupting in cities from London to Manchester.
Norway's exit ends a commendable run that saw them defeat Argentina in the round of 16. Manager Ståle Solbakken acknowledged England's quality: "They have depth and experience. We gave it our all, but Bellingham's quality made the difference."
