Jude Bellingham has done it again. The 23-year-old scored twice against Norway in Miami to drag England into the World Cup semi-finals, completing a 2-1 victory after extra-time and cementing his place among the tournament's all-time greats.

His equaliser hauled England level before a composed finish in extra-time sealed the win. It was another defining moment in a summer that has belonged almost entirely to Bellingham.

Back-to-back braces in knockout football

The double came just five days after Bellingham scored twice against Mexico — a feat that placed him in extraordinary company. Diego Maradona was the last player to score braces in consecutive World Cup knockout matches. Bellingham has now matched that record.

Six goals in total at this FIFA World Cup 2026, five of which either levelled the scoreline or put England ahead. He now stands alongside Harry Kane at the top of England's scoring charts for the tournament, the pair having combined for 12 of England's 13 goals.

Tuchel unhappy, Bellingham unbothered

England manager Thomas Tuchel was pointed in his post-match assessment. "We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today," he told ITV. "The result is fantastic, we're in the last four. It's amazing. I'm not happy with the performance."

Bellingham, who had been generous in his praise of team-mates, offered a characteristically sharp response when told of Tuchel's verdict. "Yeah, well. Whatever. Whatever," he said. "It's difficult out there. It's a tough shift. All the players are putting in a tough shift. So my thoughts and appreciation go to the players who put in a good shift out there."

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, speaking on ITV, relished the exchange. "I love both interviews," he said. "Thomas Tuchel's was fantastic. Jude Bellingham's response was absolutely brilliant. What you've seen in those two interviews are massive egos, world-class players and managers. You have to be exceptional to do what those two have done."

An era-defining performer

Neville did not stop there. Drawing comparisons to England's great tournament performers of previous generations, he placed Bellingham in a category of his own. "I've seen Paul Gascoigne go to a tournament and rip it up, Michael Owen do the same, Wayne Rooney did it in 2004," he said. "But I've never seen a player have an impact on the tournament in the way Jude Bellingham is. This is very special, what we're watching. An absolute superstar."

Against Norway, Bellingham played 111 minutes and finished the quarter-final with more shots, duels won, and fouls won than any other player on the pitch. With Harry Kane unable to impose himself, Bellingham provided both the spark and the clinical execution England required.

England's road ahead

England now face Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals in Atlanta on Wednesday 15 July, with kick-off at 8pm BST. Should they advance, a World Cup final awaits on Sunday 19 July in New Jersey against either France or Spain.