England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side were “lucky” to edge past Norway 2-1 after extra time and reach the World Cup semi-finals, while hailing Jude Bellingham’s match-winning display as “world-class.”

Tuchel was in no mood to celebrate after England came from behind to secure only their fourth World Cup semi-final appearance. Bellingham scored twice to cancel out Andreas Schjelderup’s opener and send the Three Lions into the last four.

“We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today,” Tuchel said in an animated on-field interview after the match.

“The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but I’m not happy with the performance.

“The commitment is there, but we made life very, very difficult for ourselves with the way we played — sloppy, too cautious, not fast enough. We were lucky today.”

Bellingham appeared unimpressed by his manager’s blunt assessment.
“Whatever. Whatever,” the Real Madrid midfielder said after the gruelling 120-minute contest in the searing Miami heat.

“It’s difficult out there. It’s a tough shift. All the players put in a massive effort, so my appreciation goes to everyone who gave everything on the pitch.”

England will face either Argentina or Switzerland in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta as they bid to reach their first World Cup final in 60 years.

Speaking later at his post-match press conference, Tuchel praised his players’ resilience but insisted they must improve to go further in the tournament.

“I’m impressed with the shift they put in, the effort, the belief, and their ability to overcome adversity,” the German said.
“To dig in and find a way to win is of the highest level. Full credit to the team — we found a way into the last four, and that’s the most important thing.

“But the analyst and football coach in me still believes we can and have played much better football.”

England also benefited from two contentious refereeing decisions.
Bellingham’s first goal stood despite Norwegian protests that the ball had struck the suspended television camera during the build-up. Norway also had a second-half goal ruled out following a VAR review for a foul by Erling Haaland before a corner kick.

“We were lucky. I stand by that,” Tuchel said.
“No one can deny you need luck to go far in tournament football. You need moments when fortune is on your side; otherwise, it’s almost impossible.

“I see no harm in admitting it. That’s simply how I felt.”

Despite his criticism of England’s display, Tuchel reserved special praise for Bellingham, who once again delivered on the biggest stage.

Having scored twice in England’s dramatic 3-2 last-16 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, Bellingham now has six goals in six matches at the tournament, level with Harry Kane.

“World-class performance from a world-class player,” Tuchel said. “In the biggest moments, the crucial moments, he was absolutely top class.