Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford shared their thoughts after England reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 2-1 comeback victory over Norway, www.aclsports.com reports.
Bellingham was named Man of the Match for the Three Lions, scoring both goals as England came from behind to reach the last four for the fourth time in their history. He also became the second-youngest player to score two or more goals in successive World Cup knockout-stage matches, behind only Pelé.
Speaking after the match, the Real Madrid midfielder highlighted England’s mentality and ability to respond to difficult situations as a key factor behind their progress in the tournament.
“Football has so many different aspects to it. Some are technical, some tactical, but for me the biggest one is psychological, how you deal with setbacks and adversity,” Bellingham said.
“This team has shown once again that we can handle those moments, and that’s a really valuable quality to have at this stage of the tournament.”
He also responded to manager Thomas Tuchel’s assessment that England can still improve, pointing to the challenge of facing a talented Norway side in demanding conditions.
“Maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play in those conditions against players like Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sørloth. That’s not an easy team to face,” he said.
“We’ve worked hard to create a positive environment, and we need to carry that into the final four. I can’t speak highly enough of the lads. You’re not going to win every game by playing beautiful football and completing a thousand passes. Sometimes you have to win the dirty way, and that’s what we did again tonight.”
Bellingham admitted reaching the World Cup semi-finals was beyond what he imagined growing up, while praising his team-mates for their efforts.
“Yeah, probably beyond my wildest dreams, to be honest. I’m a confident person, but I don’t think you go to bed dreaming about games like this,” he added.
“It’s nice to have an impact and help my team, but the effort of those lads in there was incredible. I’m so proud of how they keep battling regardless of what situation we find ourselves in.”
Meanwhile, Pickford praised the midfielder’s mentality and ability to influence matches at crucial moments after his match-winning display.
“He’s brilliant. His mentality is what puts him at that level. Every game, he steps up when it matters, whether it’s making crucial blocks or creating moments at the other end,” Pickford said.
The England goalkeeper also reflected on reaching another World Cup semi-final and becoming the country’s record World Cup appearance holder.
“Yeah, I think first and foremost, it’s about the team, like I always say. Reaching another semi-final is what matters most. The appearance record is a huge honour for myself and my family, but we’re here for the team.
“I’ll probably reflect on it years from now, but right now, everyone knows me, it’s about getting the job done and focusing on the next game,” he said.
England will face Argentina in the semi-finals as Tuchel’s side continue their pursuit of a place in the final.
