Harry Kane could barely speak. The England captain, hoarse after belting out 'Wonderwall' with fans, croaked through his post-match interview following the Three Lions' dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico — a win that sent them into the World Cup quarter-finals.
“I'm speechless,” Kane said, his voice barely a whisper, having joined supporters in the early hours at the Azteca. The 18-year-old Jude Bellingham had fired England into control with a quick-fire brace, only for the hosts to halve the deficit before half-time. Then, minutes into the second half, defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card. But Kane stepped up to convert a penalty, extending the lead. Mexico responded with a spot-kick of their own, setting up a tense finale that England survived.
“England beat Mexico 3-2 in World Cup round of 16; captain Harry Kane lost his voice singing 'Wonderwall' with fans.”
The match, delayed by weather, kicked off at 2am UK time. But Prince William, the FA patron, was watching. At 4.15am, moments after the final whistle, he posted on social media: “Well done England! Bring on the quarter final!” The Prince of Wales, who has not attended a World Cup since 2010, recently told the New Heights podcast he was “quietly confident” about England's chances, though he admitted hope had been “chipped away” by past disappointments.
England will face Norway in the last eight on Saturday, with kick-off at 10pm UK time. Norway advanced after a 2-1 victory over Brazil. William, who travelled to Istanbul to watch Aston Villa win the Europa League in May, said he might attend the final if England get there — but for now, he joins Kane and millions of fans in celebrating a win that made the World Cup a game to remember.