England survived Mexico, the Azteca Stadium and a second-half red card on Monday to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash delayed by severe weather but later defined by chaos, pressure and cold English survival.
Jude Bellingham gave England control before halftime with two goals in 98 seconds.
The midfielder opened the scoring in the 36th minute before striking again two minutes later to silence the home crowd and put England 2-0 up.
Mexico refused to disappear.
Julian Quiñones pulled one back in the 42nd minute, dragging the co-hosts back into the contest before halftime.
England’s night became more complicated nine minutes after the restart when Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high challenge on Jesús Gallardo.
But even with 10 men, England found another goal.
Harry Kane restored the two-goal lead from the penalty spot in the 60th minute after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.
Mexico responded again nine minutes later after Kane fouled Brian Gutiérrez in the box.
Raúl Jiménez converted the penalty to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finish.
The hosts poured forward in the closing stages, backed by a loud Azteca crowd, but England held firm through 11 minutes of stoppage time.
Jordan Pickford was crucial to the win, making several important saves, including two big stops from Jiménez as Mexico pushed for an equaliser.
Bellingham was named Player of the Match for his first-half double.
England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals.
