FIFA/Getty Images England Edge Norway 2-1 in Miami Thriller to Reach World Cup Semifinals
England are through to the World Cup semifinals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway in the Miami heat. Goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane either side of half-time proved enough, despite a late strike from Erling Haaland that set up a nervy finale.
The Three Lions started brightly, with Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka causing problems down the flanks. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Jude Bellingham drove forward from midfield, exchanged a one-two with Kane, and fired low past Ørjan Nyland into the far corner. It was a goal worthy of any World Cup stage.
Norway grew into the game after the restart, with Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings and Haaland growing increasingly influential. But England doubled their lead in the 68th minute when Harry Kane rose highest to power home a pinpoint cross from Saka — his 70th international goal and a crucial cushion.
Norway refused to lie down. With eight minutes remaining, Erling Haaland latched onto a through ball from Ødegaard, shrugged off Marc Guéhi, and smashed past Jordan Pickford to make it 2-1. The final ten minutes were tense, with Norway throwing everything forward, but England's defence held firm — John Stones making a vital block in stoppage time to secure the win.
The victory sends England into the semifinals, where they will face France, while Norway exit with their heads held high after a valiant performance.
Final Score & Key Facts
- England 2 – 1 Norway
- Goals: Bellingham (34'), Kane (68') — Haaland (82')
- Possession: England 54% – 46% Norway
- Shots (on target): England 12 (5) – Norway 10 (4)
- Yellow cards: England 2 – Norway 3
- Man of the Match: Jude Bellingham (England)
Starting Lineups
England (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Jordan Pickford
- DEF: Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Kieran Trippier
- MID: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham — Phil Foden, James Maddison, Bukayo Saka
- FW: Harry Kane (c)
Norway (4-4-2)
- GK: Ørjan Nyland
- DEF: Julian Ryerson, Leo Østigård, Kristoffer Ajer, Birger Meling
- MID: Morten Thorsby, Patrick Berg, Martin Ødegaard (c), Jens Petter Hauge
- FW: Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth
Match Statistics
| Statistic | England | Norway |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 54% | 46% |
| Shots (on target) | 12 (5) | 10 (4) |
| Pass accuracy | 84% | 79% |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
| Fouls | 14 | 16 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
Post-Match Reaction
Gareth Southgate (England manager): "I'm incredibly proud of the character we showed. Norway made it very difficult, especially in the last ten minutes, but we held firm. Bellingham was outstanding, and Kane delivered when it mattered most. Now we focus on France."
Martin Ødegaard (Norway captain): "We gave everything. We knew England would be tough, but we fought until the final whistle. Haaland's goal gave us belief, but we couldn't find the equalizer. We're proud of our tournament, but this one hurts."
Jude Bellingham (England, Man of the Match): "Scoring in a World Cup quarterfinal is a dream. The team was brilliant tonight, and we showed our quality. But the job isn't done — we want to go all the way."
