FROM MIAMI: Jude Bellingham struck twice to propel England into the World Cup semi-finals after a hard-fought victory over Norway.

Could it truly be happening? Is it finally time to believe?

Now just one step away from the final and two steps from ending six decades of heartache, the Three Lions have genuine faith in their World Cup pursuit. England head to Atlanta for Wednesday’s semi-final filled with confidence, thanks to their ever-decisive match-winner Jude Bellingham and their astute, tactically bold head coach, Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel made daring tactical adjustments when it mattered most, bringing on attackers at key moments. Fortune favoured the brave. Later, he opted for pragmatism, introducing the towering Dan Burn in extra time to counter Norway’s aerial threat. Fortune, too, favoured the tall.

Under Tuchel’s direction, England’s backline successfully solved the Norse puzzle, shutting down the supply line to Erling Haaland. The prolific striker was eventually substituted, visibly frustrated and unable to escape the attentions of John Stones and Marc Guehi.

England’s performance was both disciplined and dynamic. Much like their display at the Azteca against Mexico, this was another unforgettable night. Under the watchful eyes of English icons Mick Jagger and David Beckham, the evening turned into a celebration of resilience. Fans from every corner of England flocked to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Dolphins, dreaming of further glory.

Flags representing towns across the English football pyramid — from Macclesfield and Grimsby to Coventry and Portsmouth — fluttered proudly. Supporters chanted, “please don’t take me home,” while the men in white fought to extend their stay, none more so than Bellingham.

A serious debate can now begin over whether the 23-year-old from Stourbridge is England’s greatest international player of the past four decades. Paul Gascoigne, who guided England to a World Cup semi-final, may have possessed more natural flair, but Bellingham’s decisiveness in crucial moments sets him apart. Harry Kane will have his admirers, particularly among statisticians, but Bellingham has become the heartbeat and saviour of this England side.

As he did in Gelsenkirchen during Euro 2024 and last week at the Azteca, Bellingham once again came to England’s rescue. When the first half of this intense quarter-final appeared to be slipping away, with England trudging towards halftime both disheartened and behind, Bellingham reignited belief in both his teammates and the crowd.

Two minutes into four minutes of added time, Bellingham took command. Receiving a pass inside from Anthony Gordon, he surged past Torbjorn Heggem and drove a left-foot strike low past Orjan Nyland. Relief swept through the England camp. Norway’s coach Stale Solbakken, furious, hurled a bottle to the ground and confronted referee Clement Turpin, arguing that the ball had struck the spider-cam wire before England regained possession. Fifa reviewed the incident and confirmed it had not.

England were grateful for that rare reprieve from Fifa — and for Bellingham’s brilliance. Until then, Martin Odegaard had dictated play, while Sander Berge shielded Norway’s solid back-four with composure. England toiled for 45 minutes without reward under sweltering heat reminiscent of painful exits in Shizuoka 2002, Lisbon 2004, Gelsenkirchen 2006, and Manaus 2014.

Norway absorbed pressure and struck first after 36 minutes. Benfica’s young winger Andreas Schjelderup cut inside from the left, took on Ezri Konsa, and sent in what looked a mishit cross. It looped over the leaping Jordan Pickford and into the net.

England were rattled by the goal, their nerves tested by Haaland’s presence and Odegaard’s precision passing. Alexander Sorloth then squandered a golden opportunity to make it 2-0, hesitating long enough for Nico O’Reilly to block his attempt — a costly lapse.

Bellingham’s equaliser changed everything. Tuchel introduced Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka for Noni Madueke and Declan Rice. Norway, calm and methodical, pressed for another lead. Haaland’s clear shove on Elliot Anderson led to Heggem’s goal being rightly ruled out.

Norway regained control and their supporters lifted their chants again. Tuchel responded swiftly. Reece James replaced Gordon and moved into midfield, freeing Bellingham to operate as a No. 10. Eze slotted in on the left. Norway’s wingers Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa briefly threatened, but Tuchel countered again, substituting O’Reilly for Djed Spence to stifle Bobb’s influence.

Tuchel’s attacking mindset persisted as he replaced Konsa with Morgan Rogers. England’s front six now featured Anderson as the holding midfielder, Saka and Eze on the flanks, Rogers and Bellingham operating behind Kane in attack.

England found fresh energy in extra time. Rogers made an instant impact with a long-range effort that Nyland spilled. Kane failed to react, but Bellingham was alert, pouncing to put England ahead.

Moments later, Spence tangled legs with Bobb inside the box. Turpin initially awarded a penalty but, after review, correctly overturned the decision — Spence had indeed initiated contact. Watching from the stands, Alfie Haaland gestured that it was a dive.

Burn was introduced to reinforce the defence. England held firm and even threatened to extend their lead late on. Now Atlanta awaits. Belief has truly arrived.