Jude Bellingham delivered when England needed him most, scoring twice to inspire a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway and book a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals early Sunday (Bangladesh time).

The quarter-final appeared to be slipping away for England after Norway struck first through Andreas Schjelderup, but Bellingham's composure before the break and clinical finish in extra time completed another memorable comeback for Thomas Tuchel's side.

Norway looked the more dangerous team for much of the opening half and deservedly moved ahead in the 36th minute. Captain Martin Odegaard unlocked England's defence with a perfectly weighted pass to Schjelderup, whose powerful strike clipped the post before finding the net, leaving Jordan Pickford with no chance.

England, however, responded just before halftime. Anthony Gordon carved open the Norwegian defence with a clever through ball, and Bellingham met it with a first-time finish into the bottom corner to restore parity heading into the interval.

The second half evolved into a tense tactical battle. Norway thought they had regained the lead, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review identified a foul in the build-up. At the other end, Pickford produced a series of vital saves to deny the Norwegians, ensuring England remained alive as the contest moved into extra time.

England finally found the breakthrough in the 93rd minute. Harry Kane's header was brilliantly stopped by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who also parried Morgan Rogers' follow-up effort, but Bellingham reacted quickest to the loose ball and hammered home the decisive goal from close range.

The Three Lions were later awarded a penalty during extra time, but the decision was overturned after another VAR intervention. Despite late pressure from Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb, Norway could not find an equaliser as England held on to reach the final four.

The victory keeps England's World Cup dream alive, with Bellingham once again underlining his status as the team's driving force on the biggest stage.

BOB Post