England coach Thomas Tuchel described his side as fortunate to defeat Norway 2-1 after extra time and reach the World Cup semifinals. He highlighted the performance of midfielder Jude Bellingham, who scored both goals to secure the win.
Despite the historic achievement of reaching the final four for only the fourth time, Tuchel expressed dissatisfaction with the display. He noted that the team created unnecessary problems through imprecise passing and slow movement, stating the outcome was positive but the execution fell short.
Bellingham acknowledged the physical demands of the match in hot conditions and credited the collective effort of the squad. England will next play either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday, aiming for a first final appearance in six decades.
Tuchel praised the players’ determination and resilience while insisting on the need for better play to advance further. He stressed that reaching the semifinals was the priority but believed the team could perform at a higher level.
Two refereeing decisions favored England. Bellingham’s opening goal stood after debate over whether the ball hit an overhead camera during the buildup. Norway also had a goal ruled out following a VAR check for a foul before a corner.
Tuchel accepted the role of luck in tournament success and reiterated that improvement was essential. He singled out Bellingham for delivering decisive contributions in key moments.
