England have reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup after Jude Bellingham scored twice, including an extra-time winner, to defeat Norway 2-1 in a gripping quarter-final. The result vindicated manager Thomas Tuchel's call for his side to "release the handbrake" at the tournament's business end, though the display fell well short of the cohesive team performance he had hoped for. Bellingham, who had shone earlier in the tournament, was described as moving "to another level" when it mattered most, cementing his status as a contender for both the Golden Boot and player of the tournament.

Norway, playing in their first World Cup quarter-final, led through Andreas Schjelderup's cross-cum-shot before Bellingham equalised, and they were the better side for much of the second half. The England midfielder struck again early in extra time with a poacher's finish after goalkeeper Ørjan Håskjold Nyland spilled a shot from substitute Morgan Rogers, taking Bellingham to six goals for the tournament. England nullified Erling Haaland, who was withdrawn after the first period of extra time, and withstood late chances from Norway substitutes Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb. The tie was played in punishing conditions of 33C and 65% humidity, a test of endurance for which England had prepared at a hot-weather training camp in Florida.