# England wobble but Djed Spence and John Stones make case for the defence

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/england-wobble-but-djed-spence-and-john-stones-make-case-for-the-defence/
- Published: 2026-07-12T01:25:27+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-12T02:13:42+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/12/england-djed-spence-john-stones-defence-world-cup-norway
- Topics: Sport, UK, World

## Key points

- England beat Norway in extra time to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
- Spence and Stones praised for steadying a maligned England defence.
- Haaland contained to 21 touches; Bellingham and a keeper error decided it.

## Summary

England reached the World Cup semi-finals after a nervy extra-time victory over Norway in Miami, with substitute Djed Spence and centre-back John Stones singled out for restoring solidity to a much-criticised defence. The win mattered because England had wobbled badly in the second half following manager Thomas Tuchel's half-time reshuffle, yet their back five ultimately held firm to see out the game.

The report is critical of Tuchel, arguing his half-time changes — forced partly by an unwell Declan Rice going off — handed midfield control to Norway's Martin Ødegaard before further substitutions gradually restored order. Erling Haaland was contained by Stones and Marc Guéhi, restricted to 21 touches and a 38% pass completion rate before being replaced in extra time, while Jude Bellingham's brilliance and a goalkeeping error from Ørjan Håskjold Nyland secured the winner after Andreas Schjelderup had put Norway ahead. Norway, denied a first World Cup semi-final, were left to rue Alexander Sørloth's failure to release Haaland for a potential second goal.

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