England are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a battle that saw them play most of the second half with 10 men against co-hosts Mexico, yet they held on for a superb 3-2 win. The victory, which prompted Prince William to send a message of support, sets up a last-eight clash against Norway in Miami – a side that impressed in beating Brazil 2-1 in the last 16.
Norway, finishing second behind France in Group I, have reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their best World Cup campaign. Their main threat is Erling Haaland, who is level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot standings with seven goals – and that after being rested entirely in Norway's final group game. The 25-year-old now has 62 goals in 54 international games, making him arguably the most dangerous striker in the tournament.
“England beat Mexico 3-2 with 10 men to reach World Cup quarter-finals, where they face Norway and Erling Haaland.”
If England overcome Norway, they could face the defending champions. In the same section of the draw are Argentina, who won all three group games as Lionel Messi continued to deliver on the biggest stage, scoring five goals so far. Argentina survived a huge scare in being taken to extra time by Cape Verde and will face Egypt in the next round. Also in that bracket are Colombia, who topped their group ahead of Portugal and face Switzerland in the last 16, while the Swiss won their first knockout game in 88 years in the round of 32. Reaching the semi-final would mean a return for England to Atlanta, where they beat DR Congo in the last 32.
On the other side of the draw, potential final opponents include 2018 winners and 2022 runners-up France, 2010 victors Spain, and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco. France and Morocco will meet in the quarter-finals, and Spain face Portugal in the last 16, with the winner playing the USA or Belgium in the last eight. The final will be held in New Jersey in front of 82,500 fans.
Back in England, supporters packed out hundreds of bars and pubs for the late-night kick-off, with thousands emerging from bars at dawn after watching an England victory described as one for the ages. The win was tempered by an injury to Jordan Henderson, who tripped over advertising hoardings during the celebrations and needed a stretcher. But for now, England's path to a third major tournament final of the decade is clear – starting with the mission to stop Erling Haaland in Miami.