England managed to book their spot in the World Cup semi-finals despite an incredibly patchy performance against Norway, with a double from Jude Bellingham enough to secure a 2-1 extra-time win in Miami.
Thomas Tuchel’s side did not perform well in the game, riding their luck at the back at times. Norway missed a number of opportunities to add to the one goal they did score, with England also benefiting from a couple of borderline refereeing decisions and what looked like one clear error.
England will certainly have to improve ahead of a semi-final meeting with Argentina on Wednesday, with one player in particular coming in for criticism during last night’s game.
Zlatan Eviscerates England Star After World Cup Display
Thomas Tuchel was clearly unhappy with England’s performance in the first half against Norway, making two substitutions at halftime.
Declan Rice was replaced after struggling with injury and illness in recent days, while Noni Madueke was also taken off after an abject display. As it turns out, that latter move was predicted by Zlatan Ibrahimovic on American television.
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Speaking on Fox Sports, the Swede slated the Arsenal winger for his contribution against Norway.
Zlatan went in on Madueke here. 😠pic.twitter.com/CCU80rg1S7
— No Context World Cup (@NoContextEPL) July 11, 2026
I think that [England] are playing with one player less so far.
Madueke has been on the pitch. I have to say, every time he gets the ball he makes the wrong decision.
He’s walking on the pitch…
If I am [Thomas] Tuchel I change him, because he has done nothing in this first 45 minutes. Even the hydration break didn’t help him.
He hasn’t started every game. They are playing with one guy less.
A fairly damning assessment.
England wingers struggling at World Cup
England have struggled to get consistent performances from their wingers throughout this tournament, with Madueke, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, and Marcus Rashford all struggling at various points. In fact, only one of their attackers outside of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane has managed to score a goal in this summer’s World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel clearly felt that Madueke was well short of the standard required in that game and you would predict that it’s unlikely that he will be in the starting XI for the semi-final against Argentina.
Both of those teams have stuttered throughout this tournament and can count themselves a tad fortunate to have reached the final four. Still, one of them will be lining out in New York for the World Cup final later this month.