England have progressed through to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after one of the great games in the tournament's history against co-hosts Mexico. The Three Lions silenced an electrifying Estadio Azteca with a 3-2 victory on Monday (AEST) to book their spot in the final eight against Norway, but not before a rollercoaster of drama that will go down in World Cup folklore.
Bellingham's Brace Stuns Mexico
English superstar Jude Bellingham scored a brace in the space of 98 seconds in the first half, stunning the crowd of more than 80,000 at a venue where Mexico were unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches, including three this year. He scored on a header in the 36th minute and again in the 38th on a pass from Harry Kane.
Julian Quinones pulled one back for El Tri in the 42nd minute, making it 2-1 at halftime. The game appeared to turn in Mexico's favour when England's Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute for a dangerous foul on Jesus Gallardo.
Red Card Sparks Chaos
The tackle sparked wild scenes on the sidelines, with a melee breaking out between players and officials from both sides. "The Mexico bench absolutely livid here, and Guillermo Ochoa is fighting with one of the England officials!" James Fielden said on commentary as play went on. "There is a melee down in front of us here just outside the two technical areas. It is all kicking off!"
Australian referee Alireza Faghani remained a busy man, and England were awarded a penalty for a challenge by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel. Kane converted for his sixth goal of this tournament and 14th of his World Cup career, matching Gerd Muller of West Germany for fifth on the scoring list.
Kane Makes History
Kane has six goals in this tournament, one behind Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race. He then committed a foul that made him the first player since at least 1966 to score and concede a penalty in a World Cup game. Raul Jimenez converted the kick with a stutter-step approach to move El Tri within 3-2.
"This place right now is an absolute circus," Fielden exclaimed. "I'm starting to run out of words to describe what has been one of the great World Cup matches I have ever seen."
Mexico's Late Surge Falls Short
Mexico attacked relentlessly over the final 21 minutes, plus 11 minutes of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and England's defenders held steady. Mexico have not reached the quarter-finals since hosting in 1986. Since then, they have lost in the round of 16 eight times, failed to advance past the group stage in 2022 and were disqualified from the 1990 tournament.
England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals, aiming to continue their quest for a first World Cup title since 1966.
