Jude Bellingham delivered when it mattered most. The Real Madrid star scored twice as England clawed back from a goal down to beat Norway 2-1 at Miami Stadium on Saturday. Therefore, England World Cup semi-finals hopes remain intact after one of the tournament’s most dramatic quarter-finals.

This marks England’s fourth semi-final appearance in World Cup history. Moreover, it’s their second in the past three tournaments. The team has chased a world title for 60 years since their only triumph. Now they stand two wins away from breaking that drought.

England faces Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday. The stakes could not be higher. However, Bellingham showed nerves of steel in Miami, delivering a second consecutive brace to propel his team forward.

Andreas Schjelderup stunned England early. The Norway forward received the ball wide in the 36th minute. Instead of crossing to Erling Haaland as expected, he unleashed a stunning strike that flew into the top corner. Therefore, Norway stunned the Three Lions and forced England to chase the game.

Bellingham equalized before halftime. Anthony Gordon whipped a cross into the box. Bellingham controlled it with one touch and fired home in stoppage time. As a result, England went into the break level and ready to push forward.

Extra time proved decisive. Morgan Rogers fired a shot in the third minute of the added period. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland spilled it directly to Bellingham, who slid in to score. That goal proved enough to win the match and send England through.

Bellingham’s performance cannot be overstated. He now has two braces in consecutive knockout games, having starred against Mexico in the last 16. Meanwhile, England’s midfield engine simply overwhelmed Norway once the intensity ramped up.

Nyland made six saves for Norway despite the loss. The Vikings competed admirably in their first World Cup quarter-final appearance. Still, England’s quality eventually showed through. Pickford made three saves for England, keeping the tie tight when it mattered most.

This England World Cup semi-finals berth feels different. The team has momentum. Bellingham continues delivering in critical moments. The younger generation plays with confidence. Finally, England can taste genuine hope of ending their 60-year wait for a second world title.