Bellingham Brace Sends England Past Norway in Extra-Time Thriller

Bellingham Brace Sends England Past Norway in Extra-Time Thriller

Norway stunned the English supporters in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup, making just his second start of the tournament, unleashed a shot from outside the penalty area that hit the post and went into the net, leaving Jordan Pickford helpless.

The goal came after England had dominated possession but failed to create clear-cut chances, with Harry Kane largely neutralised by Norway's resolute defense. Pickford was also at fault for the opener, as he appeared to misjudge Schjelderup's cross-shot, the ball cannoning in off the far post.

England's equaliser arrived in dramatic fashion deep into first-half stoppage time. Anthony Gordon drove down the left and played across to Bellingham, whose first touch took him into the box as he arced away from Norwegian attention before firing past Orjan Nyland.

The goal was Bellingham's fifth of the tournament and came just when England looked at their worst, completely changing the momentum of the match.

The second half was a tense affair with both sides creating chances. Norway thought they had regained the lead in the 55th minute when Torbjorn Heggem tapped home from a corner, but after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed because Erling Haaland had pushed Elliot Anderson before the corner was taken.

Norway continued to press, with Kristoffer Ajer hitting the crossbar from another corner as Haaland and Antonio Nusa caused problems for England's defense.

Both sides started showing clear signs of exhaustion as the minutes ticked on, and the match went into extra time. It seemed like a penalty shootout was inevitable, but Bellingham had other ideas.

In the 93rd minute, Morgan Rogers found himself in space and fired a shot from distance that Nyland failed to handle, spilling the rebound on a platter for an incoming Bellingham to tap in England's winner, completing his second-straight brace.

Norway launched a desperate attack in the remaining minutes, but England's defense held firm.The victory secured England's place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2018 and the fourth time in their history, while Norway's impressive campaign came to a heartbreaking end after a courageous performance that included a stunning victory over Brazil in the previous round.

The "Three Lions" will now face the winner of Argentina vs Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday.