England have booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, setting up a blockbuster clash with Lionel Messi's Argentina.
The Three Lions came from behind after Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway an early lead. Jude Bellingham restored parity on the stroke of half-time before completing the comeback with the winning goal in extra time.
England vs Argentina
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Semi-finals
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USA
England's dramatic win was overshadowed by several controversial moments.
Norway argued that the ball struck the spidercam cable before Bellingham's equaliser, insisting play should have been stopped and restarted with a drop ball. They were also denied what appeared to be a second goal when Torbjørn Heggem's finish was ruled out following a VAR review, with officials penalising Erling Haaland for a push on Elliot Anderson in the build-up.
Former Manchester City midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland, Erling's father, accused the officials of "robbing" Norway, claiming the referee had "saved" England.
Tuchel and Bellingham Exchange Views
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side were below their best, describing the victory as "lucky" despite securing a place in the last four.
Bellingham responded to his manager's assessment, saying:
"Maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in those conditions."
Attention Turns to Argentina
England will now face Argentina in a highly anticipated World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, July 15, at Atlanta Stadium. With a place in the final at stake, the match will renew one of international football's most iconic rivalries as the Three Lions look to take one step closer to lifting the World Cup trophy.