The Real Madrid midfielder scored twice as the Three Lions came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami.
Bellingham struck England’s equaliser in first-half stoppage time before capitalising on goalkeeper Orjan Nyland’s mistake to score the winner in the 93rd minute.
The brace took his tournament tally to six goals, drawing him level with England captain Harry Kane and moving him within two of Golden Boot leaders Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
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Erling Haaland scored seven goals during Norway’s historic run, but his challenge ended with the quarter-final defeat. That leaves Bellingham and Kane as the closest active challengers to Messi and Mbappe.
Bellingham’s rise has been built on two outstanding knockout performances. He scored twice against Mexico in the last 16 before repeating the feat against Norway, becoming the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to register braces in consecutive World Cup knockout matches.
His goals have also arrived when England have needed them most. Five of Bellingham’s six strikes have either drawn the Three Lions level or put them ahead.
England’s semi-final against Argentina will now place two Golden Boot contenders on the same pitch.
Messi enters the meeting with eight goals, while Bellingham will have the opportunity to close the gap and carry England into their first World Cup final since 1966.
Mbappe, also on eight, will lead France against Spain in the other semi-final. The French forward currently holds the advantage over Messi through the assists tie-breaker.
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Bellingham began the tournament as the midfielder expected to supply Kane. Instead, he has developed into one of its most dangerous goalscorers.
With every semi-finalist guaranteed two more matches, the Golden Boot remains within reach.
Another decisive performance against Argentina could turn Bellingham from an outside challenger into the man to beat.
Photo: REUTERS/Paul Childs
