Jude Bellingham rose above the altitude and a hostile home crowd to inspire England to a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico in the Azteca, silencing the co-hosts with a devastating quick-fire brace that set the stage for a World Cup quarter-final showdown with Norway in Miami.
England's talisman landed the first blow when he ghosted into the penalty area to head home a superb Bukayo Saka cross at the far post. Barely 60 seconds later, with Mexico still reeling after shipping their first goal of the tournament, Bellingham plundered his second — applying the finishing touch to Harry Kane's low ball after it trickled across the face of the six-yard box.
“Jude Bellingham's brace sends ten-man England to World Cup quarter-final against Norway.”
But Mexico picked themselves up and hit back almost immediately through Julian Quinones, who lashed home after a free-kick fell into his path. England then had to stomach further turbulence: Jarell Quansah was shown a red card early in the second half following a VAR review for a high tackle. Despite being reduced to ten men, Harry Kane restored England's two-goal cushion from the penalty spot before Raul Jimenez also scored from 12 yards to put Mexico back in touch.
Mexico laid siege on Jordan Pickford's goal, fuelled by vociferous fans, but England stood firm through 11 torturous minutes of additional time to record one of the most memorable victories of the Thomas Tuchel era. It means England are one step closer to reaching their third major tournament final of the decade.
England face Norway in the last eight in Miami after the Scandinavians impressed with a 2-1 victory over Brazil in the last 16. Norway finished second behind France in Group I and this already represents their best World Cup campaign. With Manchester City's Erling Haaland up front, they pose a significant threat. The 25-year-old is level with France's Kylian Mbappe and Argentina's Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot standings with seven goals — and that is after being rested entirely in Norway's final group game with qualification secured. Haaland now has 62 goals in 54 international games.
If England make it past Norway, they could face the defending champions. Argentina, who survived a huge scare against Cape Verde in extra time, await in the quarter-finals if they beat Egypt. Also in that section of the draw are Colombia and Switzerland. Reaching the semi-final would mean a return to Atlanta for England, where they beat DR Congo in the last 32. The other half of the draw features France, Spain, Morocco and Portugal — potential final opponents.