Jude Bellingham propelled England into the World Cup semifinals with a pair of goals, as the Three Lions came back from a 1-0 deficit to secure a 2-1 victory in extra time, thus ending Norway's aspirations for a historic last four appearance in the tournament, as reported by ESPN.
Bellingham became the first player to achieve consecutive doubles in the knockout stages of a World Cup since Diego Maradona in 1986.
The Real Madrid star replicated Maradona’s legendary accomplishment by initially scoring twice in the 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16, followed by a pivotal equalizer and an extra-time goal to eliminate Norway in Miami.
Maradona netted twice as Argentina narrowly defeated England 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup.
In the semifinals against Belgium, Maradona again scored both goals as the Albiceleste secured a 2-0 victory to advance to the final.
Andreas Schjelderup’s opener in the 36th minute — a left-footed effort that caught England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford off guard by striking the far post — gave Norway a well-deserved lead before Bellingham equalized in first-half stoppage time.
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England’s Harry Kane and Norway’s Torbjørn Heggem both had goals disallowed for offside and foul play respectively, as the two sides battled through a tense quarterfinal in sweltering heat in Miami.
However, after 90 minutes yielded no winner, Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham put England ahead with a close-range strike just three minutes into extra time.
With both teams visibly struggling in the conditions, Norway coach Ståle Solbakken made the surprising decision to substitute striker Erling Haaland with Jørgen Strand Larsen at halftime of extra time.
England managed to maintain their lead, securing a second semifinal appearance in three World Cups — a match that will see them face the winner of the Argentina versus Switzerland game in Atlanta on Wednesday.
England has not reached the World Cup final since their sole victory in the competition as hosts back in 1966.
