Jude Bellingham admitted it was “a bit beyond” his wildest dreams to help guide England into the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 23-year-old midfielder struck twice in the sweltering Miami heat and humidity as England came from behind to beat Norway after extra-time, setting up a blockbuster football clash with defending champions Argentina on Wednesday (15 July).
Norway made the perfect start when Andreas Schjelderup rifled home in the 36th minute, but Bellingham restored parity with a low shot beyond Ørjan Nyland in first-half stoppage time.
Both sides had goals disallowed before Bellingham struck again early in extra-time, reacting quickest to convert the rebound after Nyland could only parry substitute Ollie Watkins‘ long-range effort.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the match, Bellingham said the experience was surreal.
“I’m a confident boy, but I don’t think you go to bed at night dreaming of games like that,” he said.
After scoring two goals in the previous round against Mexico, the Real Madrid star became the first player to score twice in consecutive World Cup knockout matches since Diego Maradona in 1986.
He is also the second youngest, after Pelé achieved the feat as a 17-year-old with Brazil in 1958.
But Bellingham was quick to stress their victory had been a collective effort.
“I’ve said before that it’s nice to have an impact and to help my team, but my God, the effort of those lads there. I’m so proud of how we keep battling regardless what situation we find ourselves in. They can be really proud.
“I think the game’s split in to loads of different kind of facets, you know, some of it is technical, some of it is tactical,” he explained. “For me the biggest one is psychological and how you can manage setbacks, how you can manage adversity and this team showed again they can do it and that’s a really valuable skill.”
Norway have been one of the standout stories of the World Cup after reaching their first ever quarter-final, but they are still searching for a first victory over European opposition after seven attempts.
Bellingham admitted England had been pushed all the way by a side that was “not an easy team to play against”, particularly in searing temperatures that soared to 42C.
“[Playing] against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Ødegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, [Alexander] Sørloth. You’re not gonna win every game popping the ball and making a thousand passes, sometimes you have to win dirty, and we’ve done that again tonight,” he said.
Jordan Pickford on breaking Peter Shilton’s record
At the other end of the pitch England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford surpassed Peter Shilton to become his country’s most-capped player at the World Cup, making his 18th tournament appearance.
Yet he was quick to downplay the personal milestone, insisting the spotlight belonged to the team as they look to end a 60-year wait to win the coveted trophy.
“The record is a massive honour for myself, for my family, but we’re here for a team game and I’ll reflect on that in years to come,” he said.
“In this moment in time, everyone that knows me, it’s about getting the job done and focus on the next game.”
England have progressed to their fourth major semi-final since 2018, and Pickford insisted they must be “resilient” in order to take the next step and reach the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey next Sunday (19 July).
“We always want to keep improving. We’ll reflect on the game and we’ll analyse it before we move on to the next,” he said.
“To get to another semi-final, we’re at that stage where we need to keep going. We had a great game tonight against a tough opponent and we came through it.
“It’s a great honour to be in another semi-final, [but we’ve] got to be resilient.
“We’ve got that togetherness, that team spirit, and you know the commitment, we drive ourselves. We’ll never say never… when the going gets tough… we dig in as a team.”
Bellingham has now scored six goals in the World Cup, more than any other midfielder in the tournament, to put him alongside England captain Harry Kane as an unlikely contender for the Golden Boot.
Pickford said their number 10 was simply “brilliant”.
“His mentality is what puts him on that level. To come up at (key) times, every game, to big blocks. You’ve seen the last game against Mexico, that last-ditch tackle from a set piece, that’s just as good as a goal,” he added.
“We know the qualities he has up top, and Jude [Bellingham’s] getting the rewards.
“He’s been top level and may it continue.”
England will face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, with the winner facing Spain or France in the World Cup final.
READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/fifa-world-cup-2026-jude-bellingham-wildest-dreams-send-england-semi-finals
