Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession as 10-man England held off a fierce Mexico fightback to win 3-2 in the World Cup round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium, securing a quarter-final meeting with Norway.
Bellingham brace silences hostile crowd
Mexico created the first big chance when Raul Jimenez sent a bullet header toward Jordan Pickford's near post, but the England goalkeeper sprang low to his left to bat the ball away. Anthony Gordon responded with a driving run that won a corner, then forced Raul Rangel into a save from an acute angle after cutting onto his right foot.
Just as Mexico seemed to be gaining momentum after the first-half hydration break, England struck. Bellingham ghosted into the penalty area to head home a superb Bukayo Saka cross at the far post. Within 60 seconds, he plundered his second after England turned the ball over midway inside Mexico's half, applying the finishing touch to Harry Kane's low ball across the six-yard box.
Mexico hit back before red card drama
Mexico responded immediately through Julian Quinones, who lashed home after a free-kick fell into his path. The hostile crowd erupted, and England had to weather another storm. Pickford made a majestic flying stop to deny Jimenez, and Bellingham popped up in his own penalty area to stop a certain goal just before half-time.
Early in the second half, Jarell Quansah was shown a red card following a VAR review for a high tackle on Jesus Gallardo in the 54th minute. Despite being down to 10 men, England extended their lead when Kane converted a penalty after good work from Gordon. But Mexico pulled one back immediately through a Jimenez spot-kick, setting up a tense finale.
England survive 11 minutes of added time
Mexico laid siege to Pickford's goal, fuelled by their vociferous fans, but England stood firm through 11 torturous minutes of added time to record one of the most memorable victories of the Thomas Tuchel era. The result sends England into a quarter-final against Norway, continuing their World Cup campaign despite the adversity of playing with 10 men in a hostile environment.
According to the Mirror's Daniel Marsh, "England had to stomach their fair share of turbulence before emerging victorious." The match featured two penalties, a red card, and a dramatic comeback attempt from the co-hosts, who had not conceded a goal in the tournament before Bellingham's brace.
