Jude Bellingham delivered on the grandest stage as England defeated Norway to reach the World Cup semifinals, the midfielder striking twice in a tense, tactical contest decided by fine margins and extra-time composure. While the scoreline will be remembered for Bellingham’s brace, this was a collective display of resilience from England against a Norway side that refused to fade. After a cagey first half, England shifted gears in the closing stages of normal time. Substitute Bukayo Saka made an instant impact on the right flank, first flashing a dangerous cross across the face of goal in the 78th minute, then carving out another gilt‑edged opening moments later with a low ball fizzed through the six‑yard box that somehow evaded onrushing teammates. Those near misses summed up a regulation 90 minutes that ended goalless despite growing English pressure. Late in normal time, fellow substitute Djed Spence almost forced a breakthrough when he caught Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland in possession, only for the chance to slip away. The game stretched into extra time, where Bellingham’s class told. After his second goal put daylight between the sides, VAR intervened again to overturn a penalty initially awarded to England for a foul on Spence, underlining the night’s high‑wire tension and the razor‑thin margins at this level. Norway, who had leaned on the tournament’s joint‑leading scorer Erling Haaland throughout the campaign, lost their focal point when he was substituted at halftime of extra time. Even so, Stale Solbakken’s men poured forward in the final stages, testing England’s back line with direct balls and late runs. England, however, held firm, with composure in both boxes proving decisive. The result propels England into the last four, matching the nation’s historic runs in 1966, 1990 and 2018. For Norway, brave and enterprising across the tournament, it was a night of narrow regrets. “I feel sorry for the lads, but this is top level sports at its best or its most gruesome,” a tearful Solbakken admitted. “We played fantastic football against a super team, but we didn’t make it.” England now turn to the semifinals with momentum and belief, sparked by Bellingham’s cutting edge and the depth shown by an impactful bench. Norway depart with pride intact, undone by moments rather than method.