England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday, surviving a long spell with ten men after Jarell Quansah was sent off. Jude Bellingham struck twice and Harry Kane converted a penalty as Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the last eight for a third straight time.
The match carried added significance beyond the scoreline. Mexico had rarely been beaten in competitive games at the Azteca, and England’s victory also set up a quarter-final meeting with Norway, who earlier shocked Brazil 2-1. England’s win also handed Mexico their first-ever World Cup defeat at the iconic stadium, in what was described as the last match of this World Cup in Mexico.
Kick-off was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms, and when play finally began Mexico came out aggressively, backed by a loud home crowd. England, however, absorbed the early pressure, steadied the tempo, and gradually took control of key moments in the first half.
How England built a 2-0 lead before Mexico’s response
After Mexico attacked from the start, England managed to “take the sting out of the game” and struck first just past the half-hour. Bellingham opened the scoring with a diving header from Bukayo Saka’s cross, giving England a 1-0 lead.
England doubled their advantage almost immediately. Within two minutes, another move down the right ended with captain Harry Kane providing the centre, and Bellingham finished again to make it 2-0. The quick double blow put England in a commanding position, but Mexico responded with urgency.
The home crowd lifted the atmosphere with chants of “Yes we can,” and Mexico found a way back into the contest before half-time. Winger Julian Quinones volleyed home from inside the box after a scramble that followed a free-kick, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and reigniting belief for the hosts.
That goal changed the tone of the match. Mexico had a lifeline, and the second half would test England’s composure and resilience, especially after a major turning point in defence.
Red card shifts the balance after the break
Mexico received further encouragement early in the second half when England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off for a rash challenge. Reduced to ten men for a significant period, England faced sustained pressure as Mexico pushed for an equaliser.
Despite the setback, England stayed calm and found a crucial third goal on the hour. Anthony Gordon was fouled by the goalkeeper, and Kane stepped up to take the penalty. He scored from the spot to restore a two-goal cushion at 3-1, a moment that looked like it might finally give England breathing space.
But the match had another twist. Kane then gave away a penalty while trying to clear the ball, and after a VAR review the referee pointed to the spot. Raul Jimenez converted to make it 3-2, setting up a tense final stretch with Mexico sensing a comeback.
With just over 20 minutes remaining, England were pinned back and forced into a defensive stand. Mexico had the momentum and much of the possession, while England’s task was to protect their narrow lead with a man down. In the end, England “dug deep” and held firm to see out the result and secure a place among the tournament’s final eight.
What the result means: England into the last eight
The 3-2 victory sends England into the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Norway. It also stands out as a landmark result at the Azteca Stadium, where Mexico had been exceptionally hard to beat in competitive matches over decades.
The game also marked England’s first visit to the famous stadium since their 1986 World Cup quarter-final loss to Argentina, a match remembered for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and his famous dribble. This time, England left with a win—earned through Bellingham’s two goals, Kane’s penalty, and a gritty finish under heavy pressure.
