Norway row home as England make it to the semi-final of World Cup 2026

England had to come from behind again, this time to get past Norway, securing its semi-final spot in this year’s World Cup.

This England side has shown resilience and grit throughout the tournament, and that was the case again against a very good Norway side.

Truth be told, this was not a good England performance. Norway looked more comfortable on the ball and time and time again was able to get behind England’s back line.

Harry Kane did not put in a good performance today, and it was he staying down after feigning an injury which led to the opening goal by Norway, a rocket of a shot that flew in to the top corner beyond Jordan Pickford’s reach.

Of course, it was Jude Bellingham again who spared England’s blushes, carrying the team on his back and leading the charge. He has a knack for finding himself in the box at the right time to convert goals.

Come half-time, it was England 1, Norway 1, and all to play for to get that berth to the semi-final.

Norway pressured England, and it was inspired substitutions by Thomas Tuchel that changed England’s fortunes. 

The England coach took off Declan Rice and Anthony Gordon, brought on Reece James, Bukayo Saka, and then, later, the Tottenham defender Djed Spence. Spence had another good game today and has silenced his critics.

England toiled and managed to make it to extra time. Then Bellingham popped up with a second goal in the opening minutes of the 30-minute extra time period.

But Norway did not give up and took the game to England, forcing the Three Lions to defend deep.

Bellingham has now scored six goals in this World Cup and will be contending for the Golden Boot.

Strangely enough, Norway took off Haaland just when he would be needed to find the equaliser. It was a bizarre decision considering what was at stake.

England managed to limp into the semi-final but will find the going tough against more skilled opposition who can test its back line.

After the match, England captain Harry Kane said, “ Massive effort. It felt tougher than the game in Mexico. The heat and humidity really affect us. We had to dig deep and find our way, especially in the second half and extra time. The determination and the grit were the difference today. It was a fairly even game in terms of possession and chances, but when you’ve got someone like Jude who can change the game for us like he did today, that’s obviously a big factor. It’s the boys’ heart and desire that got us over the line.”

England will play the semi-final in Atlanta, Georgia, next week.