England have booked themselves a spot in the World Cup semi-finals after a Jude Bellingham double carried the Three Lions over the line against Norway
England survived the melting heat of Miami to advance to the semi-finals of the World Cup as football took one step closer to coming home.
Jude Bellingham was the man of the moment as he hauled the Three Lions into the semi-finals. Norway had taken a deserved lead as England looked to be limping to another uninspiring World Cup exit.
However, Bellingham needed just two moments of magic to prove he’s one of the best players on the planet. Here’s how Daily Star Sport rated the England players’ performance during a hot afternoon in Miami.
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Jordan Pickford, 5 – Normally saves his best performances for an England shirt but was uncharacteristically rattled after Norway’s superb opener. Struggled to recuperate afterwards and seemed nervous between the sticks. Managed to step back up in the second-half and extra-time.
Nico O’Reilly, 6 – Dealt with Oscar Bobb well in a poor display defensively across the board. Was substituted for Djed Spence in the second half.
Marc Guehi, 5 – Faced a race against time to be for the clash, but again failed to stand out in a poor defensive display. Made a good block in the final minute of extra-time.
John Stones, 5 – Produced a calamity moment in the first-half – but was fortunate the ball didn’t fall to Erling Haaland. Looked a bit more steady in the second-half, but England still looked unconvincing defensively.
Ezri Konsa, 6 – Playing out of position, Konsa was perhaps the lone bright spark in the English defence for large periods of the game. Ran himself into the ground and was subbed.
Declan Rice, 6 – Has been ill all week, played for 45 minutes but didn’t do a lot wrong when on the pitch.
Elliot Anderson, 7 – England’s unsung hero of the game, he kept the ball ticking along. Was fouled by Erling Haaland, chalking off Norway’s second.
Anthony Gordon, 6 – Provided Jude Bellingham with an assist, but really failed to punish the Scandinavian defence.
Jude Bellingham, 8 – The man of the moment, the Real Madrid superstar put England on his back at times. Scored the equaliser and looked the only threatening player going forwards at times. Netted the winner in extra-time.
Harry Kane, 6 – Struggled to get into the game and dropped deeper and deeper as he tried to gain some influencer.
Noni Madueke, 5 – Subbed off at half-time after having a limited impact.
Subs
Eberechi Eze, 6 – Came on at half-time as Thomas Tuchel looked for a more attacking shape.
Bukayo Saka, 6 – Was also quiet coming off the bench, had a moment of magic in the final minutes.
Reece James, 6 – Offered England something different going forwards, dealt with Antonio Nusa well, who had impressed off the bench.
Djed Spence, 7 – Came off the bench late for Nico O’Reilly, almost blocked the ball into the net and was unlucky not have a won a penalty after a VAR decision.
Morgan Rogers, 6 – Thrown on to offer something different up top. Made some good runs and gave Norway something to think about.
Dan Burn, N/A – Tuchel looked to Burn when he moved to a back five again.