Wayne Rooney has backed England to reach the World Cup final but says they will exit in the semi-finals unless they ‘show more quality’ after a cagey win over Norway.
Jude Bellingham was once again England’s hero in a narrow quarter-final victory, the Real Madrid midfielder scoring twice as England overcame a spirited Norway side and the boiling Miami heat to win 2-1 after extra-time.
The Three Lions started well before being rocked by Andreas Schjelderup’s bizarre goal, his attempted cross somehow flying past Jordan Pickford and going in off the post.
Bellingham equalised on the stroke of half-time with a superb goal following fine work from new Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon, who produced another impressive display on the left wing.
Exclusive analysis of England v Norway
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Norway thought they had restored their lead in the second half but Torbjorn Heggem’s goal was ruled out following a VAR check for a foul by Erling Haaland.
Extra-time was required to separate the two sides and as is often the case, Bellingham produced when it mattered most, pouncing after Orjan Nyland tamely spilled Morgan Rogers’ shot.
Having advanced to the semi-finals, England will play World Cup holders Argentina or Switzerland for a place in the final, with France and Spain contesting the other semi-final tie.
Thomas Tuchel’s side impressed in their last-16 win over Mexico at the Azteca but the German boss was underwhelmed by the performance in Miami.
Ex-England captain Rooney agreed with Tuchel’s assessment of the team and said they would be denied a World Cup final if they produce the same level in the semi-final.
‘Thomas Tuchel was exactly right in what he was saying after the game,’ the former Manchester United striker told BBC Sport.
‘When you think about a semi-final against a very good Switzerland team or a very good Argentina team, we have to show more quality.
‘The Mexico game was really good, it was tough to get through that in those conditions. But we have to show more quality to advance into the final I believe.
‘We’ve shown courage and mentality but you’re going to need the quality as well in the semi-final.
‘I think Tuchel’s interview tells everyone that the performance wasn’t good enough and tells the players the performance wasn’t good enough because he knows going into the semi-final, a performance like that won’t be good enough to get through because of the quality of the opposition.
‘You can’t afford to not play well because they will take the ball off you, make you work and punish you.’
Rooney added: ‘We’re all delighted that England have got through but the performance wasn’t great but they found a way.
‘I just loved that interview from Thomas Tuchel. I thought he was spot on in terms of the mentality, the character of the players has got them through that game because for large parts of that game Norway were the better team.
‘They got lucky with the second goal for Norway, I thought that was a little bit harsh.
‘It’s about getting through to the semi-finals. They’ve done their job tonight and we’ll see who we play.’
While Rooney was not blown away by England’s performance against Norway, he backed Tuchel to lead the Three Lions into the World Cup final.
Asked for his predicted World Cup final line-up, Rooney said: ‘England vs France.
‘I think I’d rather face Argentina. I think Switzerland are really organised in how they play and I think they could be a tricky game for England.’
Meanwhile, Rooney singled out Bellingham for special praise after his brace downed Norway and kept England’s World Cup dream alive.
‘It was a difficult game tonight,’ he said. ‘We lacked quality and speed and tempo but when you have players like Jude Bellingham in the team then you always have a chance.
‘I said before the tournament started there would be a game when we’re going to need Jude Bellingham and I referenced Steven Gerrard in the 2005 Champions League final.
‘In a game where we needed him most he stepped up.’
France, World Cup winners in 2018 and runners-up four years ago, have been the standout team of the tournament but must beat European champions Spain to reach a third successive final.
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