​England withstood a determined Mexico rally to secure a 3-2 victory on Sunday, clinching a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals and ending the co-hosts’ deepest run in 40 years, despite playing much of the second half with 10 men at the Azteca Stadium. Jude Bellingham sparked the late-stage drama by giving England the lead with a brace inside the same minute, first finishing a sharp Bukayo Saka cross, then slipping in Harry Kane’s pass to stun the home crowd.
Mexico pulled one back before the break through Julian Quinones, who reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and slotted it into the roof of the net, reviving the hosts’ hopes as the clock wound down. In a pivotal second half moment, England were reduced to 10 men when Jarell Quansah was sent off after a VAR review. Yet Harry Kane extended England’s advantage with a penalty after Raul Rangel fouled Anthony Gordon, restoring a two-goal cushion.
The deficit was reduced again when Raul Jimenez converted a penalty, following another VAR check that confirmed a Kane foul on Brian Gutierrez. The match had been delayed by an hour due to adverse weather conditions surrounding the Azteca Stadium, adding a further layer of tension to the late-stage proceedings.
Looking ahead, England will meet Norway in the quarter-finals, set to take place in Miami on Saturday. The triumph sits alongside a series of fixtures in the tournament’s journey: England defeated Croatia 4-2 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on June 17, drew with Ghana 0-0 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on June 23, beat Panama 2-0 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 27, and edged DR Congo 2-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 1. The 3-2 victory over Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on July 5 marks a crucial milestone as England advance to the last eight.
Fans can mark England’s path with the following schedule as the tournament unfolds: England vs Norway in the quarter-finals at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 11; potential clashes against Argentina or Switzerland at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 15; and possible ties with France or Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 for the subsequent rounds. The results build a narrative of resilience and attacking potency that has become a hallmark of England’s campaign, underscoring their readiness to challenge the tournament’s toughest opponents while navigating the pressure of knockout football.