Jude Bellingham writes name into World Cup history books after latest England brace

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Matthew Judge | Editor

England hero Jude Bellingham etched his name into the World Cup history books after another talismanic display against Norway.

The 23-year-old underlined his superstar status by firing the Three Lions into the semi-finals for just the fourth time in their history on Saturday.

Bellingham drew England level in Miami after a superb solo run was capped off by a terrific left-footed drive inside the penalty area.

And then he showed the instincts of a poacher when tapping home from close range as Thomas Tuchel’s men clinched a 2-1 victory in extra time.

With his brace against Norway, Bellingham has now scored a remarkable six goals in as many games at this summer’s World Cup.

And that form has also led to Bellingham achieving an incredible milestone ahead of England’s semi-final clash with Argentina next Wednesday.

Bellingham following in the footsteps of Brazil great Pele

With divine interventions against Croatia, Panama, Mexico and now Norway, Bellingham is serving up one of the greatest campaigns in World Cup history.

And that is all the more remarkable considering the pre-tournament doubts as to whether the midfielder would even start for England this summer.

As Bellingham endured an injury-ravaged domestic campaign with Real Madrid, close friend Morgan Rogers sparkled for England in World Cup qualifying.

And while he quickly apologised for his remarks, Tuchel famously said his mother finds Bellingham’s on-field behaviour “repulsive” last June.

However, the former Borussia Dortmund man has silenced the critics in emphatic fashion in North America.

After scoring in the group games against Croatia and Panama, Bellingham was then the star of the show in the momentous 2-1 win over Mexico in the last 16.

In England’s finest hour since winning the World Cup in 1966, Bellingham bagged a brace as a 10-man rearguard seized victory at the famous Estadio Azteca.

And Bellingham built on his Mexico heroics by scoring another double against Stale Solbakken’s Norway at the Hard Rock Stadium.

In doing so, Bellingham - at the age of 23 years and 12 days old - became the second-youngest player to score two-plus goals in successive World Cup knockout games behind Brazil icon Pele (17 years and 249 days old).

Pele achieved the dizzying landmark in Brazil’s World Cup-winning campaign in 1958, scoring a hat-trick against France in the semi-finals and a brace against Sweden in the showpiece.

After matching Pele’s mind-boggling feat, Bellingham will look to be the hero once again when England face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the last four.

Crucially for England, Bellingham avoided receiving a yellow card against Norway, meaning he will not be suspended for the clash with Argentina.