England survived a red card, fierce pressure and a late Mexican fightback to win 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium and set up a quarter-final tie with Norway.
England reached the World Cup quarter-finals after surviving a fierce Mexico fightback to win 3-2 with 10 men in a dramatic last-16 match at the Azteca Stadium.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were pushed to the limit in Mexico City after Jarell Quansah was sent off, but England held firm through a tense closing spell to keep their tournament hopes alive. The victory means England will face Norway in the quarter-finals after the Norwegians stunned Brazil earlier in the round.
The match had everything expected from a World Cup knockout tie: goals, controversy, pressure, a hostile home crowd and desperate defending. England looked in control at one stage, but the contest changed after Quansah’s red card and Mexico’s second goal.
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Jude Bellingham was again central to England’s best moments. He scored twice to give England a strong platform, first with a header and then from a sharp counterattack. His goals helped silence the Azteca crowd before Mexico found a route back into the match through Julian Quiñones before half-time.
Harry Kane later restored England’s two-goal cushion from the penalty spot, making it 3-1. But Mexico refused to fade. Raul Jimenez scored from a controversial penalty after Quansah had been dismissed for a challenge on Jesus Gallardo, cutting England’s lead to 3-2 and setting up a tense finish.
England survive Mexico pressure
The closing stages tested England’s discipline and nerve. With Mexico pushing forward and the crowd demanding an equaliser, England were forced into long periods of defending.
Jordan Pickford made key saves, while Declan Rice and Dan Burn were among those who produced important blocks as England protected their narrow lead. Mexico pressed hard during a long spell of stoppage time, but England held on.
For England, the win will be remembered less for control and more for survival. Tuchel’s team were not flawless, but they showed enough character to come through one of the hardest tests of the tournament.
For Mexico, the defeat was painful. The co-hosts had entered the tie with real belief after winning their previous four matches without conceding a goal. Their run had raised hopes of a first World Cup quarter-final appearance in 40 years, but England ended that dream in front of their own supporters.
The result also carries wider meaning for England. The team had already survived a scare against DR Congo in the previous round, when Kane’s late double helped them come from behind to win 2-1. Against Mexico, they again had to recover from difficulty, this time after being reduced to 10 men.
England will now turn their attention to Norway, who beat Brazil to reach the quarter-finals. The match is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, in Miami, with kick-off set for 10pm UK time.
Tuchel will take encouragement from England’s attacking quality but will know there are concerns to address. Quansah’s suspension will force a defensive change, while England’s late loss of control against Mexico may worry the coaching staff before facing a Norway side led by Erling Haaland.
Still, knockout football often rewards teams that find a way through difficult nights. England did that at the Azteca. They were stretched, shaken and short-handed, but they are still in the World Cup.
