England are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after a chaotic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in the Estadio Azteca, a win that required them to overcome a red card, a freak injury to Jordan Henderson, and a late onslaught from the hosts.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in two first-half minutes to put England in control, with BBC Sport’s Alex Howell calling it “another match-winning performance” and an “iconic performance” that earned him a 9/10 rating. Harry Kane added a penalty to make it 3-1, but Mexico fought back through Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, the latter scoring late to set up a tense finish.
“England beat Mexico 3-2 despite a red card and Jordan Henderson's injury, thanks to Jude Bellingham's double.”
The drama began even before kick-off: the match was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms and the threat of lightning, according to the Mirror. Once underway, England took the lead after Declan Rice’s powerful run from his own half led to a cross from Bukayo Saka, which Bellingham converted. The Real Madrid midfielder struck again moments later, and England seemed in control.
But Mexico pulled one back through Quinones after a free-kick clearance from Ezri Konsa fell to him. Then, just before half-time, right-back Jarell Quansah was sent off after a VAR review for a high challenge, leaving England down to 10 men. Thomas Tuchel’s side shifted to a 5-3-1 formation and defended resolutely.
England extended their lead through a Kane penalty, but Mexico’s Jimenez scored late to make it 3-2. The hosts pushed for an equaliser, but England held on, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making crucial saves, including an acrobatic stop to deny Jimenez just before half-time.
The victory came at a cost. Jordan Henderson suffered a “really bad” injury during the post-match celebrations and was taken to hospital on a stretcher, according to the Mirror. The Standard reported that he will remain in Mexico City rather than travel back with his team-mates.
England now face Norway in the quarter-finals, after Erling Haaland scored twice to eliminate Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil.