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.