England are through to the World Cup semi-finals. It wasn’t their best performance of the tournament. It wasn’t always comfortable. At times it was scrappy, at times they rode their luck, but knockout football isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding a way, and once again England did exactly that, defeating a brilliant Norway side 2-1 after extra time to book a mouthwatering semi-final against Argentina.
Norway arrived in Miami as one of the stories of the World Cup. Competing in their first tournament for 28 years, they had captured the imagination with fearless football, humility and togetherness. Led by Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth, they had earned the respect of everyone watching this competition. England knew this would be their toughest challenge yet.
Much of the build-up centred around one question – how do you stop Erling Haaland?
Thomas Tuchel’s answer was another tactical adjustment. John Stones in and Ezri Konsa was moved to right-back, trusting his excellent Premier League record against the Norwegian striker. England also had to battle another opponent, the relentless Miami heat, with temperatures reaching 33 degrees.
The opening stages reflected the conditions. Both sides played with patience, carefully managing their energy before Norway gradually began to grow into the contest.
Shortly after the hydration break, they deservedly took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup. A brilliant finish, even he looked stunned! England looked shaken.
Norway sensed the opportunity and pushed forward again, exposing moments of uncertainty in England’s defence as the Three Lions struggled to find any real rhythm.
However, great players have a habit of changing games and Jude Bellingham did exactly that.
Collecting the ball from Anthony Gordon, with plenty still to do, he drove forward with purpose before producing a superb finish into the bottom corner. It was a goal of the highest quality, lifting both his teammates and the England supporters inside the stadium.
The momentum had completely shifted.
Harry Kane thought he had completed the turnaround moments later, only for his finish to be flagged for offside. England actually looked disappointed to hear the half-time whistle. After a difficult opening spell, they were finally gained control.
Norway controlled the majority of the second half. Haaland’s side dominated possession, created chances and continually tested England’s defensive organisation. Another Norwegian goal was ruled out, Kristoffer Ajer struck the crossbar and England found themselves defending deeper than they would have liked.
Yet throughout it all, Tuchel remained calm.
Rather than reacting after problems appeared, he anticipated them. Tactical tweaks, positional changes and fresh legs continually disrupted Norway’s rhythm. It has become a recurring theme throughout this World Cup, and once again England looked like a side brilliantly coached from the touchline.
After 90 minutes, the scores remained level.
Extra time awaited.
With penalties feeling inevitable, England found another decisive moment.
Morgan Rogers unleashed a powerful effort from distance that was only parried by the Norwegian goalkeeper. As so often happens with the very best players, Jude Bellingham arrived exactly where he needed to be, reacting quickest to convert the rebound and send England into the lead.
Another knockout game.
Another two goals.
Another extraordinary performance.
Bellingham wasn’t simply England’s match-winner; he was their driving force. He carried the team through difficult moments, dictated the tempo whenever England enjoyed possession and continually found the energy. Quite simply, he was outstanding.
England still had to survive the closing stages, but Tuchel’s final tactical reshuffle allowed his side to see the game out professionally. One objective was achieved emphatically – Erling Haaland was kept remarkably quiet.
After the match, Tuchel admitted he was “not happy” with England’s overall performance, describing his side as “sloppy” and fortunate at times. His honesty summed up the standards he has already set. It was a refreshing honest interview.
There is still another level to reach.
But World Cups are rarely won with flawless performances. They are won by teams that adapt, suffer together and find moments when they matter most.
England are doing exactly that.
Now comes the biggest challenge of them all. Argentina and Lionel Messi for a place in the World Cup Final.
The reigning world champions await, and remarkably, it will be Messi’s first-ever appearance against England. If this England team continues to show the resilience, belief and togetherness it displayed against Norway, they will travel into that semi-final convinced they belong on football’s biggest stage. With Jude Bellingham producing performances like he has, England will believe anything is possible.
It promises to be one of the biggest nights in recent England football history.
England vs Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel vs Lionel Scaloni.
Harry Kane vs Lionel Messi.
It simply doesn’t get any bigger than that.
