England edge Norway after extra time to reach FIFA World Cup semi-finals (Photos)

England booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after overcoming a spirited Norway 2-1 following extra time in a gripping quarter-final that tested the Three Lions' resilience before they finally found the decisive breakthrough.

With a place in the last four at stake, England entered the contest as favourites after eliminating Mexico in the Round of 16, while Norway arrived full of confidence following impressive victories over Ivory Coast and five-time champions Brazil.

The Scandinavian side once again demonstrated their growing stature on football's biggest stage, pushing Gareth Southgate's men to their limits in a fiercely contested encounter.

Norway made a dream start, taking the lead midway through the opening half through captain Martin Ødegaard.

The Arsenal midfielder finished off a swift counterattack with a composed strike beyond England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, rewarding Norway’s energetic opening and silencing the travelling English supporters.

England gradually settled into the match and began to dominate possession, with Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Phil Foden controlling the midfield.

Harry Kane came close to equalising before the interval, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.

The pressure eventually paid off shortly after the restart. England levelled when Bukayo Saka cut inside from the right before delivering a dangerous cross that found Kane, whose clinical finish restored parity and set up a tense finale.

Both sides continued to create opportunities as the match opened up.

Norway threatened through Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa, while England saw Bellingham and substitute Cole Palmer go close as the game moved into its closing stages.

Despite several promising chances, neither side could find a winner during normal time, sending the quarter-final into extra time.

Fatigue began to show during the additional 30 minutes, but England’s superior squad depth ultimately proved decisive.

The breakthrough arrived in the second period of extra time when Palmer slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of substitute Ollie Watkins, who calmly slotted home from close range to complete England’s comeback and spark wild celebrations among the English players and supporters.

Norway pushed desperately for another equaliser during the closing minutes, committing more players forward, but England's defence, marshalled by John Stones and Marc Guéhi, held firm to preserve the victory.

The result sends England into the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the remaining quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland.

Having already overcome DR Congo, Mexico and now Norway in the knockout rounds, England remain firmly in contention to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1966.

Norway’s remarkable tournament came to an end, Ståle Solbakken’s side departed with enormous credit after defeating Brazil and pushing one of the tournament favourites into extra time.

Photos