England produced one of their greatest World Cup knockout performances to dump co-hosts Mexico out 3-2 at the Azteca and book a quarter-final date with Norway.
Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame altitude, a hostile crowd, and a red card to survive an extraordinary night that had everything: goals, drama, VAR, and a backs-to-the-wall finish.
England made a dream start in front of a packed Azteca. Kick-off had already been delayed by an hour, but once the game began Jude Bellingham took it away from Mexico in 98 seconds.
The midfielder struck twice in quick succession in the first half to put England 2-0 up and silence the stadium. It was the first time Mexico had conceded at the tournament.
Mexico hit back before the break when Julian Quinones scored from a soft free-kick to give the hosts hope going into half-time.
The game turned on its head in the 54th minute. Jarell Quansah, playing at right-back, lunged in recklessly and referee Alireza Faghani upgraded the challenge to a straight red following a VAR review. England were down to 10 men for most of the second half.
Faghani was central to the chaos that followed. Minutes later he awarded England a stonewall penalty after Anthony Gordon was brought down by the goalkeeper. Harry Kane stepped up and converted for his sixth goal of the tournament to make it 3-1.
But the Iranian official was back at the monitor again late on, this time pointing to the spot for Mexico after Kane caught Brian Gutierrez. Raul Jimenez converted to set up a tense final 20 minutes at 3-2.
Tuchel responded by switching to a back five, bringing on Dan Burn and Djed Spence. What followed was an onslaught.
England defended with everything — bodies on the line, last-ditch headers, and Nico O’Reilly even rattling the post at the other end — to see out the win. Mexico’s significant home advantage and the Azteca altitude weren’t enough to stop a gutsy England side who dug in heroically.
