The Chelsea captain began the quarter-final among the substitutes in Miami, alongside Blues team-mate Trevoh Chalobah, as England fell behind to Andreas Schjelderup’s stunning if not slightly fortuitous 36th-minute strike.

Thomas Tuchel’s side responded shortly before the interval. Jude Bellingham collected Anthony Gordon’s pass, shifted the ball onto his left foot expertly and placed a composed finish into the bottom corner.

James was introduced in place of Gordon in the 71st minute and initially operated in central midfield alongside Elliot Anderson, before later moving to right-back after Morgan Rogers replaced Ezri Konsa shortly before the end of normal time.

England rode their luck during the second half, as Torbjorn Heggem had a goal from a corner ruled out for Erling Haaland's shove on Elliot Anderson, and David Moller Wolfe saw his header rebound against the bar.

The contest remained level after 90 minutes, but England needed only three minutes of extra time to complete the turnaround. Substitute Rogers’ powerful effort was spilled by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and Bellingham reacted quickest to convert the rebound.

England thought they were set for a third goal when the impressive Djed Spence went down in the box following a challenge from Oscar Bobb but following the support of VAR, referee Clément Turpin overturned the decision, believing the Tottenham full-back had instigated the contact.

James remained on the pitch as England protected their advantage during the closing stages, while Chalobah remained an unused substitute. The Three Lions will now contest their fourth World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, with the victor of this morning's Argentina versus Switzerland clash lying in wait.