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Bellingham’s Brace Sends England to World Cup Semis

ESPN Soccer •
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Heat‑stoked Hard Rock Stadium swelled to 113°F as Jude Bellingham netted twice, turning a 1‑0 deficit into a 2‑1 victory over Norway in extra time. The first goal arrived from Andreas Schjelderup at the 36th minute, but Bellingham’s decisive left‑foot strike in the 102nd minute secured the win and England’s spot in the semifinals.

Bellingham’s performance has now earned him seven World Cup goals, matching Gary Lineker and Harry Kane for most in a single tournament. The 23‑year‑old’s two‑goal haul propelled him to the third‑most for England, while his work rate saw him dominate midfield play and recover the ball under extreme conditions. In addition, Declan Rice exited early, leaving the squad to manage fatigue and injuries on the back of a grueling schedule.

England will face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta. The win underscores the team’s resilience in hostile environments and positions England as a serious contender, yet the heat, player fatigue, and tactical depth will be decisive as they advance to the final stages of the World Cup.