Jude Bellingham is England's Superman and is leading charge in World Cup dream
Jude Bellingham continued his epic World Cup with two more goals as England came from behind to beat Norway and book their World Cup semi-final spot
Jude Bellingham produced another incredible performance as England’s heroes marched into the World Cup semi-final.
Bellingham struck twice as he delivered a dramatic extra-time winner as Thomas Tuchel’s men put in a sensational performance in the Miami Stadium.
It was Bellingham who delivered again as he equalised in the first half and then, when everyone else could barely lift a leg in searing conditions, he scored again.
That took him to six goals for the tournament which levelled with Harry Kane as England’s heroes fought until the bitter end to haul themselves over the line.
It was Bellingham again who gave everything for the team and, after his sensational display in Mexico City, he is now leading the charge for England’s World Cup dream.
It was searing heat in Miami. It was comfortably the hottest temperature that England have played in so far at this World Cup. Arguably ever. And if it was hot just watching it, imagine what it was like for the players. The 34 degree heat translated to even hotter down on the cauldron of the pitch.
You could sense it as well because both teams were playing at walking pace for much of the match. England definitely dominated possession but found it hard to do anything with it.
Elliot Anderson probed with his passing. Declan Rice was strong. Bellingham found it hard to find space. Noni Madueke was frustrating.
John Stones and Marc Guehi managed to keep the ball away from Erling Haaland while Ezri Konsa was strong defensively but offered little going forward from the right back slot. This felt like a game with both teams feeling each other out. So much familiarity at club and Premier League level.
Harry Kane blasted a free kick over from 20 yards after Norway defender Kristoffer Ajer had fouled Bellingham. But chances were very few and far between.
England had an almighty scare when Stones’ sloppiness nearly let in Haaland but Jordan Pickford came to the rescue. Haaland had another header saved by the England keeper and Tuchel’s men did not heed the warning.
Patrick Berg made a challenge on Kane. England screamed for a foul which was not given. Martin Odegaard fed Andreas Schjelderup and his fierce cross shot beat Pickford and flew in off the far post.
England looked stunned. But that is when big players step up. And no-one has done that more at this World Cup than Bellingham. When England and the team has needed him, he’s always been there.
This time, Norway keeper Orjan Nyland’s poor clearance was intercepted by Anderson, Gordon drove forward and fed Bellingham. The Real Madrid star powered his way into the box, lined up a cross which was so fierce it almost went through Nyland. What a response. England had the ball in the net again before half time only for Kane to be ruled offside.
Mind you, England had an almighty scare soon after the break. Norway defender Torbjorn Heggem had the ball in the net after Pickford misjudged the flight of a corner.
Norway celebrated wildly, England protested and referee Clement Turpin ruled it out following a VAR check for a push by Haaland on his new Manchester City teammate Anderson. But it was also clear that Norway were growing into this game and, even after Tuchel hooked Declan Rice and Noni Madueke at half time for Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, England were not so dominant.
Norway looked increasingly dangerous while England just looked tired. Tuchel tried to make changes but his second half subs did not provide the fresh energy needed.
Reece James came into midfield and was followed by Djed Spence while Norway brought on wingers Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb which gave them an extra edge.
Saka’s low cross was waiting for a finishing touch. Since closed down Norway keeper Nyland’s clearance and it nearly deflected into the net.
But then came England’s very own Superman. In the land of Superheroes, Jude stepped up again. Supersub Morgan Rogers’ long range shot was spilled by Norway keeper Nyland and Bellingham followed up and fired home the rebound.
England thought they had it wrapped up when Spence was sent tumbling by Bobb’s challenge. Referee Clement Turpin initially gave a penalty but then overturned it after a VAR check.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Shoppers can now upgrade to the Sky smart TV that's 'designed for football' from £6 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.