England survived a dramatic second half with ten men to defeat Mexico 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca and advance to the World Cup quarter-finals. Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half to give the Three Lions a commanding lead, but Jarell Quansah’s red card shortly after the interval turned the knockout tie into a frantic defensive battle.
The victory marks England’s first return to the Azteca since the 1986 World Cup, and it came against a Mexican side that had won all four previous matches at the tournament. Thunderstorms forced a one-hour delay to kick-off, adding to the tension in a stadium notorious for its high altitude and passionate support.
Bellingham inspires first-half lead
Bellingham opened the scoring with a powerful header from Bukayo Saka’s cross, finishing a swift move that began with Jordan Pickford’s quick distribution to Declan Rice. The midfielder doubled the advantage with a predatory finish from Harry Kane’s low cross, rewarding Elliot Anderson’s pressing that won possession high up the pitch.
Mexico responded before the break when Julián Quiñones lashed home from a partially cleared free-kick, punishing hesitant defending from Ezri Konsa. The goal revived the hosts, who had earlier seen Pickford deny Raúl Jiménez with a smart low save from a diving header.
Red card changes complexion
The match shifted decisively in the 54th minute when Quansah received a straight red card for an ugly challenge. The defender, playing out of position at right-back following an injury return, left England to contest the final half-hour a man down.
Despite the disadvantage, England restored their two-goal cushion when Kane converted from the penalty spot for his sixth goal of the tournament and 73rd of the season for club and country. Mexico refused to yield, and Jiménez scored his own penalty to set up a tense finale.
Thomas Tuchel’s side defended deep in a 5-3-1 formation during the closing stages, repelling wave after wave of Mexican attacks to secure progression. The defeat ended El Tri’s hopes on home soil, leaving their players devastated on the turf at full-time.
Norway await in Miami
England will face Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday. The victory represents their most significant World Cup knockout success since 1966, achieved in the same venue where Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal eliminated them nearly four decades ago.
Tuchel had sought a defining moment to ignite his side’s campaign. Against the co-hosts in their own backyard, his team delivered exactly that.