MEXICO CITY — England held on for a hard-fought 3-2 victory over co-host Mexico on Sunday at the Azteca Stadium, punching their ticket to the World Cup quarterfinals while playing much of the second half a man down. The result ended Mexico’s longest run at the tournament in 40 years.
Jude Bellingham was the early hero for England, scoring twice within a single minute. He first converted a cross from Bukayo Saka, then tapped home a pass from Harry Kane, leaving the home crowd stunned.
Mexico got back into the match before halftime when Julian Quinones reacted fastest to a loose ball in the penalty area and fired it into the top of the net, cutting England’s lead in half and reigniting the co-hosts’ hopes.
The second half brought more drama when England’s Jarrell Quansah was shown a red card following a VAR review, leaving his side with 10 men. Despite the disadvantage, Kane stepped up and converted a penalty after goalkeeper Raul Rangel was judged to have fouled Anthony Gordon, restoring England’s two-goal cushion.
Mexico refused to give up, earning a penalty of their own after a VAR review determined that Kane had fouled Brian Gutierrez. Raul Jimenez converted the spot kick to make it 3-2, setting up a tense finish.
The match itself was delayed by a full hour before kickoff due to severe weather conditions in the area surrounding the Azteca Stadium.
England will next take on Norway in the quarterfinals, scheduled for Saturday in Miami.
