England triumphed over Mexico in a thrilling 3-2 win at Estadio Azteca, securing a place in the World Cup quarterfinals. Jude Bellingham’s impressive performance, scoring two goals in quick succession, and Harry Kane’s successful penalty highlighted the match.
Bellingham first found the net in the 36th minute with a header, followed by another goal just 98 seconds later with an assist from Harry Kane. The crowd of over 80,000 witnessed Mexico’s Julián Quiñones strike back in the 42nd minute.
A critical moment arose when England’s Jarell Quansah received a red card in the 54th minute after a harsh tackle on Jesús Gallardo. Despite being reduced to 10 men, England was awarded a penalty when Mexico’s goalkeeper, Raúl Rangel, committed a foul. Kane converted the penalty, marking his sixth goal of the tournament.
Kane’s feat placed him alongside Gerd Müller of West Germany for fifth on the all-time World Cup scoring list. However, Kane’s subsequent foul led to a penalty for Mexico, executed by Raúl Jiménez to bring the score to 3-2.
In the match’s closing moments, Mexico launched a continuous offensive within the final 21 minutes and 11 minutes of stoppage time, but England’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, and the defense remained resolute. Mexico last reached the quarterfinals in 1986 and has since faced various challenges in the World Cup path, including a recent failure to advance beyond the group stage in 2022.
England will advance to play Norway in Miami Gardens, Florida, with a semifinal place at stake.
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