Bellingham and Guéhi Shine as England Edge Norway in World Cup Thriller

England have advanced to the semi-finals of the World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway in Miami. The match, a tense affair that went into extra time, was ultimately decided by the brilliance of Jude Bellingham and a resolute defensive display spearheaded by Marc Guéhi.

Bellingham proved to be the difference-maker, scoring both of England’s goals. His first came from a moment of composure, followed by a second-half strike that showcased his predatory instincts. While Norway showed flashes of their attacking threat, including an equalizer that briefly leveled the scores, England’s ability to find the decisive moments ultimately saw them through.

Key facts
| Player | Team | Rating | Key Contribution |
|——————|———|——–|——————————————————–|
| Jude Bellingham | England | 9 | Two goals, including the winner |
| Marc Guéhi | England | 8 | Strong defensive performance, battled Haaland |
| Martin Ødegaard | Norway | 8 | Influential in midfield after a slow start |
| Elliot Anderson | England | 9 | Instrumental in the opening goal, dominated midfield |

Norway’s Defensive Battle

The Norwegian defense, led by the physically imposing Erling Haaland, presented a significant challenge. Marc Guéhi, however, had an immense battle with his Manchester City teammate Haaland. Guéhi’s performance was marked by crucial blocks and an overall commanding presence at the back, effectively limiting Haaland’s impact for much of the game. Despite the intense pressure, Guéhi emerged as a key figure in England’s defensive success.

Midfield Dominance and Attacking Threats

In midfield, Elliot Anderson was a standout performer for England, driving forward and playing a crucial role in the build-up to the opening goal. His dynamic presence helped England control the tempo for periods. Norway’s Martin Ødegaard, after a quiet start, grew in influence, attempting to dictate play and rally his team. Both sides had moments of attacking flair, with Norway finding the net through Andreas Schjelderup, although the validity of the goal was debated.

Substitute Impact and Extra Time Drama

As the match wore on, substitutions from both benches aimed to inject fresh impetus. Norway’s subs, including Antonio Nusa, caused problems for the England defense, while England’s own replacements like Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers made significant contributions. The game ultimately required extra time, where Bellingham’s second goal proved to be the decisive blow, securing England’s passage to the next round. The Norwegian side, despite their efforts and moments of brilliance, could not find a way back into the contest.

England’s quest for World Cup glory continues, with this victory setting them up for a crucial semi-final clash. The performances of Bellingham and Guéhi will offer significant confidence as they progress deeper into the tournament.

Source: The Guardian Football, https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/12/norway-1-2-england-world-cup-quarter-final-player-ratings-from-miami

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