England edged Norway 2‑1 after extra time, with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham scoring both goals – the first player to net in consecutive knockout‑stage matches at a World Cup since Diego Maradona in 1986. His six tournament goals place him alongside Gary Lineker (1986) and Harry Kane (2018, 2026) as the only England players with five or more goals in a single World Cup. Former England striker Paul Merson argued on Sky Sports News that Bellingham’s "X‑factor" and captain Kane give England a realistic shot at their first title since 1966.

Merson highlighted Bellingham’s movement on the second goal, noting his instinctive runs and willingness to chase rebounds, traits he described as essential for tournament success. He also praised Bellingham’s rapid rise – 50 caps at age 23 – and his ability to perform on big stages, reinforcing the midfielder’s status as a potential England great.

While acknowledging England’s imperfect display against Norway and the extreme heat in Orlando, Merson stressed that reaching the semi‑final aligns with the nation’s top‑four world ranking. He warned that beating Argentina will be a stern test, but insisted the combination of Bellingham and Kane provides the quality needed to compete against France or Spain in a final.