World Cup
Bellingham's extra‑time strike lifts Real Madrid star into Pele's club
Jude Bellingham's extra‑time strike sealed England's 2‑1 victory over Norway, propelling the Three Lions into the World Cup semifinals. The goal places the Real Madrid midfielder alongside Brazilian legend Pele in an exclusive scoring club and cements his status as the tournament's standout Englishman.
Norway, led by Erling Haaland, took the initiative early, scoring first in the opening half. The Nordic side's early pressure forced England onto the back foot.
Bellingham answered with a first‑half equaliser, restoring balance before the extra‑time period. His second strike in the 119th minute completed a brace that secured the 2‑1 win for the Englishman.
The double marks Bellingham's second consecutive knockout‑stage brace, a feat previously achieved only by Pele. At 23 years and 12 days, he became the second‑youngest player to net multiple goals in successive World Cup knockout games, after the 1958 record holder.
England's triumph guarantees a place in the semifinals and lifts the team's morale. Bellingham's tournament tally now stands at six goals and one assist from six matches.
The performance arrives after a Real Madrid season that ended without a major trophy, reigniting excitement ahead of his return to the Bernabeu. He will reunite with new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who is expected to rely on the midfielder's newfound confidence.
The intensity of the quarter‑final clash is captured in images by Richard Pelham/Getty Images. The photographs illustrate the drama of the match and the stakes involved.
The Three Lions now look ahead to a semifinal showdown, buoyed by Bellingham's historic display. Their next opponent will be decided later, but the English side carries momentum into the final stages.