England Reach World Cup Semi-Finals with Dramatic 2-1 Win Over Norway
Prince William and Keir Starmer Praise England’s Victory
William congratulates England on top performance as the Prince of Wales sent his warmest wishes to the national team following their thrilling 2-1 quarter-final victory against Norway. The win secures England’s spot in the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2018, capping off an impressive tournament run.
England will now travel to Atlanta on Wednesday to face Argentina in what promises to be another exciting encounter. Jude Bellingham was the hero of the match for the Real Madrid midfielder, who first equalized in the opening half before scoring the crucial second goal that ultimately sealed England’s progression.
On social media platform X, Prince William shared a personally signed message celebrating the achievement. He praised the squad for delivering a “top performance in a tough environment,” recognizing the difficult conditions throughout the contest. The future monarch wrote: “Well done England! Top performance in a tough environment. This is a special team.” He added: “Commiserations to a proud Norway team. Onto the semi final… Never in doubt! W”
“Norway 1 – 2 Jude Bellingham. @JonasGahrStore, your boys took one hell of beating.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also joined in the celebrations with a witty message on X. Making a clever nod to Bjorge Lillelien’s famous 1981 commentary when Norway beat England 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier, Sir Keir tagged Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store with his humorous observation about the result.
England Fans Plan to Extend Their American Trip
Supporters gathered in Miami were in high spirits following the victory, with many hoping to extend their stay to watch the semi-final in Atlanta. Scott Bickerton, 33, from Solihull, expressed his confidence: “We’re going to win it, aren’t we? This is the year, we’re going to win it. I’m confident.” When pressed on his optimism, Mr Bickerton credited Bellingham: “Bellingham. Birmingham City, world class.”
Ashley Wager, 32, from Birmingham, shared similar enthusiasm: “Bellingham again. Saves the day again. It’s coming home, we’re going to do it.” Jamie Smith, 31, also from Birmingham, reflected: “Shaky first half but dug deep.” Alex Jay, 45, described the match as “a tough watch” but acknowledged “they turned it around and did what they had to do.” Russell Osborne, 34, added: “I think we’ve got it this year. The team spirit’s there, the confidence is there.”
Jim Thompson, 57, from Leeds, revealed he would miss his connecting flight home to Manchester because his layover is in Atlanta. “I think they can go all the way this time,” he said. “The quality in the squad, it’s absolutely fantastic. We started off slow but they’re coming strong now – which I knew they would.”
Aaron Freeman, a scaffolder from Norwich who recently won £11.5 million from a £1.50 bet on a slot machine, shared his excitement: “I’ve been to every game so far apart from Mexico, the last one to support the Three Lions. It’s coming home. It was a good game, it was always going to be tough, conservative first until the goal was scored. As soon as they scored that opened the game up. I think England were the better team and created the better chances. Norway are a solid team but they haven’t got the depth that we’ve got. The best team prevailed.” Regarding his travel plans, he said: “We’re going to book them now. I’ve already been to Atlanta once before – but we’re going back. I’ll be back.” Mr Freeman also mentioned plans for a book and film about his life, adding: “I just lost £12,000 at half time. But I backed England at half time to win 2-1 so I’ll get that back – I only lent it them.”
In London, enthusiastic football fans sang Three Lions and Hey Jude at Boxpark bar in Wembley. Fabian Maddix, 31, described watching the game as “euphoric,” noting: “I had hopes but after the first goal went in from them, I started doubting things, but I always believe.” He said he would go home and celebrate. Kish Kerai, 34, called the match “electrifying” but mentioned he planned to go home and sleep. “I had doubts but I feel like England have courage and they have heart, which you can’t replace and nothing on paper will ever be able to replace that.”
Some 1,600 football fans wearing St George’s flag bucket hats filled the north-west London venue, singing chants and songs as they prepared for the match. Fans went silent – and some put their heads
