Jude Bellingham struck twice to drag England back from the brink of elimination, completing a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway to book a place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals.

The Real Madrid midfielder scored an equaliser in first-half stoppage time before adding a close-range winner three minutes into extra time — his second consecutive brace in the knockout rounds of the tournament.

A feat not seen since Maradona

Bellingham became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score doubles in back-to-back World Cup knockout fixtures. He had previously netted twice in England's 3-2 round-of-16 win against Mexico, and then repeated that contribution on the grandest stage against Norway in Miami.

Maradona's legendary run in 1986 saw him score twice in Argentina's 2-1 quarterfinal defeat of England, and then deliver two more as the Albiceleste beat Belgium 2-0 in the semifinals to advance to the final.

Norway's early lead and a tense battle in Miami's heat

Norway drew first blood through Andreas Schjelderup, whose left-foot strike in the 36th minute crept in off the far post, leaving Jordan Pickford with no chance. It was a deserved opener for a Norway side that matched England physically throughout.

England's Harry Kane and Norway's Torbjørn Heggem both had goals ruled out — for offside and foul play respectively — as the quarterfinal grew increasingly tense under the oppressive Miami heat.

Conditions also prompted a bold substitution from Norway coach Ståle Solbakken, who withdrew Erling Haaland at half-time in extra time, introducing Jørgen Strand Larsen in his place.

England march on

England held firm to seal their second World Cup semifinal in three tournaments. They will face the winner of Argentina versus Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday.

It is a run that has reignited hope of a first World Cup final for England since their solitary triumph — as host nation — back in 1966.