Bellingham goes big time again, as England continues down hard road

This game was billed as When Harry Met Erling, the clash of the two superstar strikers.

Instead the titular characters took a back seat in searing Miami heat, as Jude Bellingham once again proved he too can be England's leading man.

Not that he has ever been a bit player by any means.

But for a man whose place in the squad was under constant scrutiny in the lead-up to this tournament and had seemingly fallen out of favour with manager Thomas Tuchel at times, his redemption arc in North America has been sublime.

And it's left everyone in England screaming: "I'll have what he's having."

Sealed with a kiss

The 2-1 quarter-final win over Norway at Miami Stadium was different to the miracle at the Azteca.

That was a game where everything seemed to go against the Three Lions, and yet they kept on fighting, exorcising demons of flailing in Cups gone by.

This time, they enjoyed a Wembley-like atmosphere, as England fans made up the majority of the 64,478-strong crowd.

They controlled the first quarter of the game with ease, without any real penetration, or drama.

That all changed once Andreas Schjelderup's wonder cross/goal went in. All of a sudden, it was game on, with the drama turned up to 11.

Bellingham's first-half goal was a touch of class, his second in extra time, a hard-earned poacher's goal. He was still chasing, moving, creating, where his countrymen's heavy legs could barely keep going in the energy-sapping conditions.

The Three Lions were not the better side for large portions of this match, but this has been a tournament characterised by them going down the hard road and finding salvation at the end of it each time.

And while they have been inconsistent in terms of putting a complete performance together, Bellingham has been the glorious exception.

He is now England's top scorer at this World Cup with six goals, more contributions than any other midfielder at this tournament, all coming in open play.

"When things weren't working, we found a way to win the game again. Whether it's in 90 [minutes], 120, we'll get everything we've got," Bellingham said.

"You saw that there, whoever was ready to come on, came on and smashed it. So proud of this team once again and a World Cup semi-final."

Was there really a debate over Bellingham's place in the squad? Were there really question marks over his attitude or his ability? Most would reflect on those discussions with incredulity now.

This 23-year-old has always been earmarked for greatness and in a campaign where he is not only showing his on-field brilliance but an unwavering mental fortitude, he is already well on his way there.

"Enough said. He does it every single match. World-class," Tuchel said of Bellingham's performance.

And as he was substituted to a standing ovation in the second period of extra time he blew a kiss to the crowd.

After all, in any good rom-com, the hero always gets a happy ending.

By the end of the match, the stands resembled Coogee Beach on New Year's Day, as thousands of supporters ripped off their shirts in the heat and humidity, whipping them over their heads in a frenzy.

Several players dropped to the ground after the final whistle, but it was Kane who spent the longest period there, his head buried into the turf as if he was searching for a moment of solitude in the chaos.

The embrace he shared with Bellingham in celebration was special, as was yet another spine-tingling rendition of Wonderwall with their fans.

Norwegian journey ends

The Norwegians end this tournament with many more fans than they started with.

In part thanks to Erling Haaland, in part the Viking row, but more than anything, it is the way in which they have tackled each game.

Everyone loves a good underdog journey, and Norway provided it in 2026.

Haaland did not have his best game against England, proven by his late hooking, when in desperate search of a goal.

But he provided ample highlights throughout, as his side proved it is much more than a one-man team.

Having gone on their deepest ever World Cup run, there is no doubt that in four years' time the Vikings will no longer be a surprise packet or underestimated.

"It is a bit bitter, but it has been an adventure," Norway captain Martin Ødegaard said.

"We must be proud. We are here for the first time in a long time, and we are making our mark. The whole world is talking about us."

Coach Ståle Solbakken was tearful as he reflected on his side's historic run.

"I feel sorry for the lads, but this is top-level sports at its best or its most gruesome," he said.

"We played fantastic football against a super team, but we didn't make it."

Despite seeming dead and buried several times along the way, England's story is not done yet.

And it could well end up being the greatest one ever told.

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