'Blood, sweat and tears': Fans in Leeds react as England clinch World Cup semi-final spot
‘They got it done’
England held their nerve to beat Norway in a tough World Cup quarter-final - and our readers have reacted to all the highs and lows of the game.
England have not done things the easy way this summer and had to dig deep once again after Jordan Pickford misjudged Andreas Schjelderup’s cross-shot to give Norway hope of a historic semi-final spot.
But Bellingham, like so often this summer, sparkled for his country and slammed home a leveller just before the break.
Fans thought Harry Kane had put England ahead, but the flag had gone up for offside.
At half-time, Yorkshire Evening Post reader Kirsty Goodman said the team needed to “wake up a bit”, and added: “Thank goodness for Gordon and Bellingham!”
Paul Nelson said: “Norway are all over them like a rash, but Bellingham, Kane and with help from Gordon I think they could do it. Come on lads.”
Justin Coan said England had been “sloppy”, while Steve Benabraham added: “Norway are making it hard, blocking our wingers from getting into space.”
Tuchel’s stuttering side survived a poor second half, with Torbjorn Heggem seeing a goal ruled out and Kristoffer Ajer hitting the crossbar, before the Real Madrid star capitalised on Orjan Nyland’s error.
As England went into extra time level, Jenny Harrison “couldn’t call it”, but Jacqueline Rose Lawson was more confident and said: “Our boys will win.”
Bellingham’s sixth of the tournament was his most important to date. The relief at his second goal was palpable and only grew when Turpin pointed to spot after Spence drew a foul from Oscar Bobb. Kane was ready settle nerves, only for the decision to be overturned upon VAR review.
But England held on, sealing a place in Wednesday’s Atlanta semi-final against Argentina or Switzerland as England kept their quest to add a second star alive.
Following the final whistle, Helen Louise Patterson said: “In all honesty, they didn't play their best, but hey we won. Onto the next game.”
Nikki Hampson commented: “Why do we put ourselves through it every time...that was a heart nearly out of chest moment. Wasn't their best game but we are through, thank God.”
Rob Wilkinson said the game was “stressful”, but added: “They got it done. Just wish for once they could start off with a bit of fire and speed instead of it always taking 40 mins to get there.”
Mick Jackson said: “Hard fought game, sloppy at times and can play better, but overall a good performance.”
Kaltun Burco summed up the game perfectly: “Incredible game, so proud the boys! They gave blood, sweat and tears today.”