Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane shone again as ten-man England edged out Mexico in a famous and thrilling 3-2 victory to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
In an utterly compelling last-16 clash at a bustling Azteca, England produced a performance that will be remembered as one of their greatest, in which Bellingham struck twice in the space of two minutes before Kane scored the decisive goal from the spot.
The Three Lions started the stronger of the two teams when play eventually got underway following an hour-long delay, with loud jeers heard around the iconic stadium as Thomas Tuchel’s men dominated possession early on.
But it was co-hosts Mexico who had the first real chance of the contest and Jordan Pickford had to be at his best to keep out Raul Jimenez’s goal-bound header in the 15th minute, producing a fine save down low to his left.
Anthony Gordon fired England’s opening opportunity tamely at Raul Rangel after some outstanding play out wide, before Bellingham headed home Bukayo Saka’s pinpoint cross to silence the home crowd and break the deadlock in the 36th minute.
Just moments later, Bellingham had a second to his name as he finished off a free-flowing England move out from the back, only for Mexico to reduce the deficit through Julian Quinones in a frantic end to a rollercoaster first half.
The incredible drama continued after the restart as Nico O’Reilly struck against the post with a stunning volleyed effort before Kane restored England’s two-goal cushion following Jarell Quansah’s red card for a dangerous challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
England’s Harry Kane (Picture:Getty)
Mexico fought back again, though, as Jimenez converted with a spot-kick of his own after Kane had fouled Brian Gutierrez on the hour-mark, setting up a nerve-shredding finish as England saw out the remaining minutes with a man down.
Tuchel’s side will pick up their campaign against Norway on Saturday in Miamis Hard Rock Stadium after Erling Haaland and Co saw off Brazil to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history. (Metro)
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