England reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Norway after extra time in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring both goals. The analysis argues that Bellingham has become the decisive, near-singular force carrying an otherwise underwhelming England side, and that while his brilliance has kept the team advancing, the wider squad has serious flaws that cannot be masked indefinitely.

The match, played in Norway's first World Cup quarter-final, was shaped by three factors: a spirited Norwegian side judged the better team on the balance of play, the sapping July heat and humidity of Miami Gardens, and Bellingham himself. England were poor for long stretches and trailed 1-0 near half-time before Bellingham's equaliser — the team's first shot, finished after a diagonal run and a pass from Elliot Anderson — and both of his goals came as Norway appeared to be in control, each a sliding, full-body finish over the 120 minutes.