Jordan Pickford silenced his critics and praised England's character after they overcame adversity to beat Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup round of 16 match at Mexico City Stadium. The victory set up a quarter-final clash against Norway.
Pickford's heroics keep England alive
The Everton goalkeeper made two excellent saves to deny Raul Jimenez in the first half, keeping the score at 2-0 after Jude Bellingham's brace. Despite a late Mexican fightback, Pickford dealt with everything thrown his way as England hung on in the final quarter.
"That was unreal," Pickford said. "You'll never get moments like that again in football. Come to the Azteca, it is once in a lifetime. A bucket list memory. Everyone is talking about altitude. It was us against them. We rolled our sleeves up and we got the victory. It wasn't pretty, but it was bloody tough."
Controversy and red card
England raced into a 2-0 lead through Bellingham, but Mexico pulled one back before half-time through Julian Quinonez. The turning point came when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo. Referee Alireza Faghani initially let play continue, but after reviewing the footage, he sent off the former Liverpool defender.
England responded when Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was fouled. Raul Jimenez converted his own spot kick following another VAR review, but Thomas Tuchel's side defended brilliantly to see out the game.
Injury and togetherness
After the match, Tuchel confirmed that Jordan Henderson had suffered a serious wrist injury after falling over advertising hoardings during celebrations and was taken to hospital.
"It just had everything that puts you on the edge of your seat, that's what football's about," Pickford said. "It shows our togetherness and it was a special night. I think you saw the standard I set myself tonight in producing saves in big moments, coming for crosses, it's where I aim to be and keep improving."
Reflecting on his saves, Pickford added: "There were two good ones. You talk about being in the right position as a goalkeeper. Making that save, it was a good save, but I made it good because I was in the right position to make that save. To come here to the Azteca and put in a performance like that, I am proud."
Former Everton man Anthony Gordon said: "I think it probably won't kick in until this evening. To celebrate like we just did was once in a lifetime. We spoke about this being a once in a lifetime opportunity and atmosphere but it was also going to test us and it did in the worst way possible. We came through. That can't say any more about us."
