The roar that greeted the full-time whistle at the Azteca was one of relief as much as joy. After a match delayed by an hour because of weather, England had held on to beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a last-16 thriller, a result that books a quarter-final date with Norway.
Jude Bellingham produced another iconic performance. The Real Madrid midfielder scored two goals in just over a minute in the first half, putting England in a commanding position despite the raucous atmosphere inside the stadium. BBC Sport reporter Alex Howell gave him a 9 out of 10, writing that Bellingham “continues to deliver moments which make it seem like anything is possible for the Three Lions.”
“Jude Bellingham's two goals and Harry Kane's penalty send 10-man England to quarter-finals after 3-2 win over Mexico.”
But Mexico refused to fold. Julian Quinones reduced the deficit before half-time, his shot crashing into the roof of Jordan Pickford’s net after the ball fell to him from a free-kick clearance. Pickford had earlier made two brilliant saves to deny Raul Jimenez, keeping England level when they could have fallen behind.
In the second half, the game turned again. England right-back Jarell Quansah was sent off after a VAR review for a high challenge, reducing Tuchel’s side to ten men. Within minutes, however, Harry Kane blasted home a penalty after Anthony Gordon had been brought down, making it 3-1. Almost immediately, Kane conceded a penalty at the other end – given after another VAR intervention – and Jimenez converted to make it 3-2.
Down to ten, England switched to a 5-3-1 formation and defended resolutely. Pickford made another acrobatic save, Konsa and Guehi threw themselves at everything, and the team ground out a famous victory. Declan Rice, who had been booked after just one minute, showed incredible discipline to avoid a second yellow.
The celebrations, however, were soured when Jordan Henderson picked up a freak injury and had to leave the pitch on a stretcher surrounded by medical staff. The extent of the injury was not immediately clear.
England now face Norway in the quarter-finals, after Erling Haaland scored twice to eliminate Brazil and end Carlo Ancelotti’s hopes of winning the tournament. The Three Lions will need to summon another heroic display to keep their World Cup dream alive.