England Reach the Quarter-Finals After Thrilling Victory Over Mexico
England secured victory despite playing with ten men, thanks to a brace from Jude Bellingham and a penalty converted by Harry Kane.
Reduced to ten players, England withstood sustained pressure from Mexico at the Estadio Azteca to qualify for the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the third consecutive tournament, earning a dramatic 3–2 victory on Monday through a Jude Bellingham brace and a Harry Kane penalty.
Thomas Tuchel’s side made life difficult for themselves but handed Mexico its first-ever World Cup defeat at the iconic Azteca Stadium. England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals after the Scandinavian side produced a surprise 2–1 victory over Brazil on Sunday.
Mexico had suffered only two official defeats in 89 matches played at the Estadio Azteca since 1966, but England deservedly became the third team to defeat them on their home ground.
Following a one-hour delay caused by thunderstorms, Mexico began the match aggressively, inspired by an enthusiastic home crowd whose support created an atmosphere even more intense than during previous matches at their formidable stadium. England, however, remained composed and successfully absorbed the hosts’ early pressure.
Jude Bellingham gave England the lead shortly after the half-hour mark, heading home a perfectly delivered cross from Bukayo Saka. Less than two minutes later, he doubled the advantage after another attack initiated by captain Harry Kane down the right flank before Kane delivered a low pass into the penalty area.
Mexican supporters responded with chants of “Yes, we can,” and their team answered when winger Julián Quiñones struck first time from inside the penalty area following a scramble after a free kick, bringing the tournament co-hosts back into the contest.
Mexico received another boost shortly after the interval when England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off for a reckless challenge.
Despite being reduced to ten men, the visitors maintained their composure. Shortly after the hour mark, Anthony Gordon was brought down by the goalkeeper inside the penalty area, allowing Harry Kane to convert the resulting penalty and extend England’s lead to 3–1.
Just as England appeared to be moving toward a comfortable finish, captain Harry Kane conceded a penalty while attempting to clear the ball. Following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Raúl Jiménez calmly converted the spot kick to reduce the deficit to 3–2, giving Mexico renewed hope.
With just over twenty minutes remaining, England found themselves under relentless pressure and were forced to defend resolutely to protect their advantage. Although they surrendered much of the possession, they held on to secure victory in the final match of this edition of the FIFA World Cup to be played in Mexico.
The match marked England’s first appearance at the Estadio Azteca since their quarter-final defeat to Argentina at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, when Diego Maradona eliminated Bobby Robson’s side with his legendary “Hand of God” goal and his unforgettable solo effort after weaving through the English defence.
