England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his players’ fighting spirit after they defeated Norway 2-1 in extra time to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, but also insisted that the Three Lions must improve their performances if they are to win the trophy.
England came back from going a goal down to book their place in the semi-final, with Jude Bellingham scoring both goals after Andreas Schjelderup’s opener.
Bellingham, who was the Player of the Match, defended the team’s display after the victory after coach Tuchel claimed that the team needs to play better.
“Oh well, whatever… It’s difficult out there. It’s a tough shift. All the players put in a very tough shift. So my thoughts and appreciation go to the players who were out there who put in a great shift yet again.” Bellingham said.
Tuchel agreed with his midfielder’s assessment of the team’s commitment but maintained England has another level to reach.
“Absolutely, no one disputes that. I’m impressed with the shift that they put in, the effort, team spirit, the belief, and to overcome adversity and to dig in and find ways to win is on the absolutely highest level. They cannot get enough praise for that.” Tuchel said.
“But I’m also a football coach, and I think we can play better. In general, I think it was not a high-level game. I think we had better games in general. The analytical head of me and the football coach in me still thinks that we can and have to play better football,” he added.
England scored in extra time to beat Norway
Norway scored first in Miami when Schjelderup’s looping cross found the back of the net after Erling Haaland had earlier tested Jordan Pickford. England equalised on the stroke of half-time through Jude Bellingham. Both teams were level at 1-1 at full time.
The decisive moment came early in the additional period when Nyland spilt Morgan Rogers’ effort into the path of Bellingham, who reacted quickest to score his second goal of the match and his sixth of the tournament. Bellingham and captain Harry Kane have now combined for 12 of England’s 13 goals at the tournament.
(With inputs from ANI)
