Analysis The numbers behind the result
Bellingham's late heroics mask England's slim xG edge
England's 2-1 extra-time victory narrowly reflected the balance of play, with their 1.09 xG slightly outperforming Norway's 0.77 — though Jude Bellingham's decisive 93rd-minute strike (his second of the game) came against the run of Norway's second-half pressure. The Three Lions edged possession (53%) but created higher-quality chances, with 8 of their 14 shots on target compared to Norway's 4 from 13, though Martin Odegaard's creative display (1 assist, 3 key passes) kept the underdogs competitive.
Norway's disallowed 55th-minute goal for a foul proved pivotal, denying them a potential winner during a period where they outshot England 6-3 between the 46th and 68th minutes. England's clinical edge ultimately told — Bellingham converted both of their shots on target in the first half (36', 45+2'), while Norway needed a spectacular Schjelderup finish (36') to breach Pickford. The decisive stat? England's +0.32 xG difference — their ability to create 0.81 xG from just 4 corner kicks (vs Norway's 0.24 xG from 7) sealed their progression.