England fought off a fierce Mexican comeback at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City to claim a thrilling 3-2 victory in the round of 16 on Sunday, booking their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals for the third consecutive time.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad made things far more difficult than necessary, but ultimately handed the co-host Mexicans only their third competitive loss at the iconic venue since 1966 — a remarkable achievement given Mexico had fallen just twice in 89 matches at the storied ground before Sunday’s clash.
The match got off to a delayed start, pushed back a full hour due to thunderstorms, but the Mexican faithful inside the Azteca were as loud and passionate as ever, urging their side forward from the opening whistle. England withstood the early pressure and gradually settled into the game.
Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark, connecting with a diving header from a well-delivered cross by Bukayo Saka. Within two minutes, Bellingham had doubled England’s advantage after another swift move down the right flank, with captain Harry Kane providing the assist.
Mexico refused to fold. The crowd roared them on with chants of “Yes we can,” and winger Julian Quinones answered the call, volleying home inside the box following a scramble from a free kick to pull one back for the hosts.
England’s task grew even harder after the interval when defender Jarell Quansah was dismissed for a reckless challenge. Despite being reduced to ten men, England stayed composed. When Anthony Gordon was brought down by the Mexican goalkeeper around the hour mark, Kane stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty home to restore the two-goal cushion.
England’s relief was short-lived. Captain Kane gave away a penalty himself while attempting to clear the ball, and after a VAR review confirmed the decision, Raul Jimenez converted to make it 3-2 and reignite Mexican hopes.
With more than 20 minutes remaining, England were pinned back and forced to defend desperately, surrendering much of the possession as Mexico pressed for an equalizer. They held on, however, sealing a memorable win in what was the final World Cup match to be played in Mexico.
The victory marked England’s first appearance at the Azteca since the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, when Diego Maradona’s notorious “Hand of God” goal and a stunning individual run through the defense ended Bobby Robson’s side’s tournament hopes against Argentina.
England will next face Norway, who stunned Brazil 2-1 earlier on Sunday to set up the quarter-final showdown.
