Bellingham Sends England Into World Cup Semi-Final Against Argentina

Last Updated on July 12, 2026

Jude Bellingham struck twice to send England past Norway 2-1 after extra time in the World Cup quarter-final in Miami, setting up a semi-final with Argentina. Spain, meanwhile, take their record clean-sheet run into their own last-eight tie against Belgium.

Bellingham double sends England into World Cup semi-final

Jude Bellingham scored twice, including the winner in extra time, as England beat Norway 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to keep alive their hope of a second world title. England now meet Argentina in the semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday at 21:00, after the South Americans edged past ten-man Switzerland in extra time.

Norway led through Andreas Schjelderup, the Benfica player firing a hard, high left-footed shot into the far corner via the inside of the post. England hit back in first-half stoppage time when Bellingham, set up by Anthony Gordon, took a fine touch, drove into the box and finished falling to his left into the far corner for his fifth goal of the tournament. Harry Kane thought he had added another before the break, but his chip was ruled out for offside, leaving the England captain on six goals.

In extra time Norway keeper Ørjan Nyland spilled a fierce effort from substitute Morgan Rogers, and Bellingham pounced on the rebound for 2-1. Erling Haaland, who had scored seven times at the tournament including twice against Brazil, endured a difficult night and was substituted midway through extra time, exhausted. England reached a fourth World Cup semi-final in their history, having previously fallen at that stage in 1990 and 2018 and won gold in 1966.

Tuchel’s ‘masterplan’ passes another England test

The victory over Norway vindicated the selection gambles made by England coach Thomas Tuchel, who left Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire at home in favour of what he calls a squad of ‘specialists’ for every scenario. England had reached the last eight after results against Croatia (4-2), Ghana (0-0), Panama (2-0), DR Congo (2-1) and Mexico (3-2).

BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty said the method’s success will only be judged when England’s campaign ends, but that it had ‘certainly not had a negative impact’ so far. He identified Kane, Bellingham and Declan Rice as world-class certainties, with Rice pairing well in midfield with Elliot Anderson, who joins Manchester City after the tournament.

Tuchel’s biggest concern remains right-back, where Reece James has hamstring trouble and Jarell Quansah was suspended for the Norway match after his red card against Mexico. The German also planned for the heat in Florida, with the squad using cooling vests, sun hoods and a device to cool blood in the palm during training. No nation has ever won the World Cup under a foreign coach, a record Tuchel can now chase in the semi-finals.

Spain carry record clean-sheet streak into Belgium clash

Spain have not conceded a single goal at this World Cup, keeping clean sheets against Portugal, Uruguay and Austria, and stretching their run without conceding to ten hours and nine minutes, a World Cup record. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has gone 609 minutes without conceding, surpassing Walter Zenga, Peter Shilton and Iker Casillas, though he has faced just six saves across the tournament.

Coach Luis de la Fuente credits collective effort rather than individuals, praising ‘solidarity, commitment and sacrifice’ from a back line built around Aymeric Laporte (32) and Barcelona teenager Pau Cubarsí (19), with Rodri dropping in as an extra shield. According to Opta, no team in World Cup history has conceded fewer chances per match than Spain in 2026. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia insists his side will attack: ‘We want to compete, not just suffer. We’ll do everything to score’.

Crystal Palace land Mingueza as Sage’s first signing

Right-back Óscar Mingueza (27) has joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer after his contract with Celta expired this summer. The Spain international, who has four caps and previously played for Barcelona, was linked with Arsenal, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Sunderland before choosing Selhurst Park. He becomes the first signing under new Palace manager Pierre Sage.

Michael Edwards steps down as Liverpool sporting director

Michael Edwards (47) is leaving his role as Liverpool sporting director, according to Sky Sports. Edwards, who joined the Merseyside club in 2011 and returned to the position in 2024 after a previous departure, said he leaves believing Liverpool is ‘in a strong position’. British media report he was unhappy that Fenway Sports Group had shelved plans to buy a second club, with FSG president Michael Gordon expected to take over football operations.

Briefly from the rest

Bundesliga side 1. FC Köln have signed Ghana international and World Cup participant Gideon Mensah.

TSG Hoffenheim have completed the transfer of Belgian youth international Nathan De Cat (17), described by sporting director Andreas Schicker as ‘one of the greatest talents in Europe’.

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