The most eagerly anticipated of all the quarter-finals was undoubtedly the clash in Miami, where the Three Lions were marginal favourites to progress to the next round. Norway, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history and doing so in their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998, was already a remarkable achievement and a moment of celebration for the Norwegians. England, on the other hand, last won a major international trophy in 1966 and, after bowing out in the quarter-finals of the previous World Cup, were optimistic about their chances of reaching the next round.
With all the pre-match chatter building up to the game, concerns over player fitness and injuries in the England camp dominated the headlines. Several of England’s regular starters were rumoured to miss the all-important quarter-final against the Scandinavians. However, when Thomas Tuchel unveiled his starting XI, it came as a surprise to many, with the likes of Marc Guehi and Declan Rice both included despite the widespread speculation leading up to the match.
The game got off to a rather slow start, with much of the play taking place in the Norwegian half during the opening stages. Norway clearly showed signs of sitting deep and looking to hit England on the counterattack, while the Three Lions enjoyed the large share of possession. As the clock ticked on, neither side managed to create any clear-cut opportunities. However, following the hydration break, the game finally began to gather momentum, much to the delight of the neutral supporters.
Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup then took a hopeful effort that found the back of the net after a messy English midfield play, breaking the deadlock and sending the Norwegian end of the stadium into raptures. The goal sparked a wave of Norwegian attacks, with Jordan Pickford being called into action on more than one occasion to keep England in the contest.
On the stroke of half-time, Jude Bellingham stepped up for England to restore parity before the break. The midfielder capitalised on the slightest of openings, calmly guiding a left-footed finish into the net to give England the momentum they had been searching for throughout the first half as the sides headed into the dressing rooms level.
players putting their bodies on the line to protect their respective goals. Norway thought they had secured the victory before VAR intervened and cut short their celebrations in the 57th minute. As regular time came to an end, neither side was able to find the breakthrough, forcing the game into extra time.
Extra time began with England dominating possession and piling pressure on the Norwegian defence with an array of attacks towards their goal. Their persistence paid off just three minutes into the additional period, as Jude Bellingham scored what proved to be the potential winner for England. Substitute Morgan Rogers’ long-range effort was not dealt with cleanly by Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, allowing Bellingham to react quickest and put the rebound into the back of the net, giving England a 2-1 lead.
Extra time began with England dominating possession and piling pressure on the Norwegian defence with a series of attacks. Their persistence paid off just three minutes into the additional period, as Jude Bellingham scored what proved to be the potential winner for England. Substitute Morgan Rogers’ long-range effort was not dealt with cleanly by Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, allowing Bellingham to react quickest and convert the rebound, putting the Three Lions ahead at 2-1.
Six minutes after Bellingham gave England the lead, substitute Djed Spence appeared to have won a penalty after going down inside the box. The decision was initially awarded on the field, but to Norway’s relief, VAR overturned the call, denying England the opportunity to extend their advantage. The decision felt like a moment of redemption for the Norwegians after VAR had previously ruled against them earlier in the second half of regular time.
With time ticking away, England fans began to sense that a potential semi-final appearance was within reach. When the final whistle was finally blown, the Three Lions had secured their place in a World Cup semi-final for the first time since 2018.
A special shift from Djed Spence and Bukayo Saka, who both made a significant impact after coming off the bench, helped guide England over the line, with the duo contributing brilliantly in both defensive and attacking areas. With that victory secured, England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on July 16 at 12:30 AM.
