Bellingham sends England past Norway to set up Argentina World Cup semi-final

England survived a stern test from Norway to book a World Cup semi-final against Argentina, winning 2-1 in extra time in Florida on Saturday. Jude Bellingham was the decisive figure, keeping his composure in the Miami heat to send England through to Wednesday’s last-four clash in Atlanta.

The result marks England’s fourth World Cup semi-final appearance and their seventh in a major tournament overall — a milestone that places Wednesday’s match firmly in the context of the nation’s football history.

England’s semi-final record

England 2–1 Portugal — 1966 World Cup

Portugal arrived at Wembley with a perfect record and Eusébio having scored seven of their 14 goals. Bobby Charlton struck in each half to settle the tie, and although Eusébio pulled one back from the penalty spot late on, it proved a consolation. England went on to win the tournament.

West Germany 1–1 England (West Germany won 4–3 on penalties) — 1990 World Cup

Gary Lineker cancelled out Andreas Brehme’s deflected opener at the Stadio delle Alpi, but England’s penalty misery began in Turin when Stuart Pearce’s spot-kick was saved and Chris Waddle blazed over. Paul Gascoigne’s tears became one of the defining images of the tournament.

Germany 1–1 England (Germany won 6–5 on penalties) — 1996 European Championship

Alan Shearer headed England ahead at Wembley before Stefan Kuntz levelled, and Gascoigne was agonisingly close to sliding in a golden-goal winner in extra time. The first ten penalties of the shootout were all converted, leaving Gareth Southgate’s miss as the decisive moment.

Croatia 2–1 England (after extra time) — 2018 World Cup

Now the England manager, Southgate watched Kieran Trippier’s early free-kick give his side the lead at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. Ivan Perišić levelled midway through the second half, and Mario Mandžukić struck in extra time to end England’s run.

England 2–1 Denmark (after extra time) — 2020 European Championship

Mikkel Damsgaard’s free-kick put Denmark ahead, but Simon Kjær’s own goal forced extra time at Wembley. Harry Kane converted the rebound after his penalty was saved to end England’s semi-final losing streak — though further heartbreak followed in the final.

England now carry that mixed record into Wednesday’s meeting with Argentina, looking to reach only their second World Cup final.