The heat was on in Lusail Stadium as England fought their way into the World Cup semi-finals with a pulsating 2-1 victory over Norway. And what a goal it took to seal the deal – two, to be precise, both scored by Jude Bellingham in a masterclass performance that left the crowd gasping for air.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves – this wasn't exactly the cohesive team display England manager Thomas Tuchel had been eyeing. No, it was more like a thrilling, back-and-forth battle with Norway pushing their hosts to the limits in sweltering 33C heat and high humidity that left even the fittest players gasping for air.
Norway started like a bullet, taking the lead through Andreas Schjelderup's stunning cross-shot that caught England's defence flat-footed. The goal was a direct result of John Stones' loose pass, which Norway pounced on with high-pressing midfielder Patrick Berg doing the damage.
But just when it seemed like Norway were about to pull off one of the biggest World Cup upsets in history, Bellingham burst onto the scene with an equaliser that sent shivers down the spines of the England faithful. The second half was a real nail-biter as Norway pushed for another goal, but England dug deep and it all came down to Bellingham's second – a clinical finish from Morgan Rogers' spilled shot in extra time that sealed England's spot in the semi-finals.
It wasn't pretty at times, but England's players showed immense character and determination to overcome Norway's spirited challenge. And let's not forget Bellingham – his two goals will go down in history as one of the greatest individual performances by an English player in a World Cup quarter-final.
Norway may have been making their first World Cup quarter-final appearance, but they gave England more than enough to think about – especially when Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb went close after England took the lead. And then there was the small matter of Erling Haaland, who was withdrawn early in extra time after being kept quiet by England's resolute defence.
So, it was a day that will go down as one for the ages – a thrilling win over a plucky Norway side that pushed England to their limits. And at the heart of it all? Bellingham's two stunning goals that sealed England's semi-final spot with flying colours.