England fans poured into the streets across the country to celebrate the Three Lions' stunning 3-2 victory over Mexico after spending the night in pubs and fan zones. The last-16 match at the Estadio Azteca saw Thomas Tuchel's side overcome home advantage, altitude, and a hostile crowd to secure a quarter-final place.
Pubs See New Year's Eve-Level Takings
Pubs raked in as much as they do on New Year's Eve as fans partied all night. Thea Barratt, who runs Cramptons Sports Bar in Broadstairs, Kent, said fans queued out the door. She said: "I took more money than I did on New Year's Eve." After installing new portaloos and an outside bar, she expects to top last night's takings if England reach the final, adding: "Long may they continue."
Match Drama and Celebrations
Two quick-fire goals from Jude Bellingham and a Harry Kane penalty gave England a 3-2 win. Bellingham's double put England 2-0 up, but Mexico's Quiñones pulled one back. Despite Jarrell Quansah's red card on 54 minutes, Kane's spot kick restored the two-goal lead. Raúl Jiménez netted a penalty for Mexico, but ten-man England held on. The game was delayed over an hour due to severe storms.
Captain Harry Kane lost his voice after belting out Wonderwall with fans. Former England captain Alan Shearer told the BBC: "Those players have represented their country in magnificent form. Every single player had the right attitude. Everything that could have gone against them, everything that was thrown at them - the energy, the altitude - they have got past all of that and they deserved it."
Street Parties Across the Country
Jubilant supporters were seen swinging from lampposts, dancing with strangers, and celebrating until sunrise. London buses struggled to get through crowds of 24-hour party people. In Newcastle, fans danced at 4am, while a fan in Manchester was seen swinging from a lamppost draped in an England flag. Train stations like Birmingham New Street were deserted as millions of bleary-eyed Brits were expected to throw sickies.
Quarter-Final Clash with Norway
England will face Norway in the quarter-finals after Norway knocked out Brazil in New Jersey. The victory at the Azteca, where Mexico had lost only three of 90 competitive games, sets up a highly anticipated match.
