England were made to work for their place in the final four before edging Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami, Florida. Later in the day, Argentina underlined their championship pedigree with a convincing 3-1 victory over Switzerland in Kansas City, Missouri.

The results set up a mouth-watering semi-final between England and Argentina, while France and Spain will battle it out for the other place in the World Cup final.

Andreas Schjelderup putting Norway in the lead in the 35th minute - FIFA

England were tested throughout by a determined Norwegian side that refused to back down. Led by the ever-dangerous Erling Haaland, Norway defended resolutely and looked capable of causing an upset as the match remained deadlocked after 90 minutes.

However, the Three Lions showed the composure expected of a side chasing World Cup glory. They found the breakthrough during extra time, producing the decisive moment needed, with Jude Bellingham completing his brace to secure a hard-fought victory and move one step closer to lifting football's biggest prize.

The victory also continued England's impressive knockout run after eliminating tournament hosts Mexico in the Round of 16. Thomas Tuchel’s men have shown a growing ability to grind out results under pressure, with their experienced players once again rising to the occasion.

Although their tournament came to an end, Norway can leave the United States with plenty of pride after an outstanding campaign that included a memorable victory over Brazil in the previous round.

Argentina then produced another polished performance to end Switzerland's impressive World Cup journey. The Swiss once again proved difficult opponents and frustrated the defending champions for long periods, but Argentina's class eventually told.

After surviving an early scare, Lionel Scaloni's side raised the intensity in the second half and punished Switzerland with clinical finishing to secure a deserved 3-1 victory.

Manuel Akanji of Switzerland and Julian Alvarez of Argentina - FIFA

Lionel Messi once again played a key role in Argentina's attacking play, using his vision and experience to unlock the Swiss defence. The defending champions looked composed whenever they were placed under pressure and demonstrated why they remain among the favourites to retain the trophy.

Switzerland battled until the final whistle but could not find a way back into the contest as Argentina's quality shone through when it mattered most.

Attention now turns to two heavyweight semi-finals featuring four of the world's traditional football powers.

The first semi-final will be played on Tuesday, 14 July, when France face Spain in Dallas, Texas. Both sides have impressed throughout the knockout rounds, with France combining defensive solidity with attacking flair, while Spain have continued to gather momentum after their dramatic victory over Belgium.

The second semi-final takes place on Wednesday, 15 July, when England renew one of football's greatest rivalries against Argentina in Atlanta, Georgia. With so much history between the two nations, another memorable chapter is set to be written as they battle for a place in the final.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport