England secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16 at the Estadio Azteca, despite playing with 10 men for over 30 minutes. Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half, and Harry Kane added a penalty, as England held on to advance to a quarter-final against Norway in Miami.
First-half dominance and Mexican fightback
Bellingham opened the scoring in the 18th minute, heading home a perfect cross from Bukayo Saka after Jordan Pickford's quick throw-out to Declan Rice. The Real Madrid midfielder doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, latching onto Kane's low cross after Elliot Anderson won the ball high up the pitch. Mexico pulled one back just before halftime through Julian Quiñones, who volleyed home from a partially cleared free-kick.
England had chances to extend their lead before the break, with Bellingham making a goal-line clearance to deny Cesar Montes from a corner. Mexico also wasted opportunities, with Raul Jimenez dragging a shot wide and forcing a save from Pickford.
Second-half drama and red card
England started the second half strongly, with Nico O'Reilly hitting the post. However, their momentum was halted in the 54th minute when Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo. The stand-in right-back, returning from injury, lunged recklessly, and referee Alireza Faghani showed a red card after VAR review.
Despite being a man down, England extended their lead in the 68th minute. Anthony Gordon raced onto a loose ball after Kane challenged Edson Alvarez, and was fouled by goalkeeper Raul Rangel. Kane converted the penalty for his sixth goal of the tournament and 73rd of the season.
Mexico responded immediately, winning a penalty when Kane kicked Brian Gutierrez while attempting to clear a set piece. Jimenez scored from the spot in the 73rd minute, setting up a tense finish.
England hold on for famous win
Thomas Tuchel introduced Dan Burn and Djed Spence to switch to a back five, and England defended resolutely. Pickford was assured, and Mexico's crosses were repeatedly headed clear. In the 11 minutes of added time, Stones scrambled a clearance just wide of his own goal, but England held on for their finest knockout win since 1966.
"It was a stunning high," Tuchel said after the match. "The players showed incredible character to withstand the pressure." England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
