England edge Norway in extra time to set up Argentina semi-final showdown

England reached the World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway on Saturday, setting up a blockbuster clash with Lionel Messi's Argentina.

Jude Bellingham scored the decisive goal in the extra period after a tightly contested match. Harry Kane also found the net, continuing his prolific tournament alongside Bellingham, who have combined for 11 of England's 13 goals in the competition.

The win marks England's fourth semi-final appearance in the last five major tournaments, a stretch of consistency unprecedented for the Three Lions. Since their Euro 2016 humiliation against Iceland, England have transformed into a side that regularly contends for silverware.

What's at stake

• England face Argentina in the semi-finals, their first meeting with Lionel Messi on such a stage.
• Argentina are defending champions and have reached the last four in both World Cup and Copa America in recent years.
• England have not reached a World Cup final since 1966, while Argentina won the title in 2022.
• Both Kane and Bellingham have been instrumental, scoring 11 of England's 13 tournament goals.

The semi-final fixture marks a huge test for Gareth Southgate's side. Argentina, led by the legendary Messi, will present a formidable challenge, but England's recent tournament pedigree suggests they belong at this level. The match is expected to be one of the most-watched of the tournament.

Regardless of the outcome, England have cemented their status as perennial contenders—a far cry from the decades of underachievement that preceded this golden era.