England pulled off a desperate and dramatic victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca to knock out the co-hosts and reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in a first-half blitz as England took control of the game, but Julian Quinones responded with a goal at a set-piece before half-time.
England’s task became more complicated when Jarell Quansah was sent off for a rash tackle, and although Harry Kane scored from the spot to extend the lead, Kane conceded a penalty to give Raul Jimenez the chance to reply, which he took.
England then clung on to their 3-2 lead with a rearguard action for the ages, defending their goal ferociously to book their spot in the last eight, where Norway await in Miami.
Here is how the England players rated:
Jordan Pickford, 8: Two excellent saves from Raul Jimenez in the first half were key to England’s bright start, and he dealt brilliantly with an aerial barrage in the final throes.
Jarell Quansah, 4: The Leverkusen defender was having a decent game before he slide through Marcelo Gallardo’s leg.
Marc Guehi, 7: Made some important interventions, particularly in the second half when England were under siege.
Ezri Konsa, 6: Ball bounced off his heels to tee up Julian Quinones for Mexico’s goal, but did well shifting to right-back in the second half.
Nico O’Reilly, 7: Did his job effectively when called upon, although an elbow could have got himself in trouble. The Manchester City full-back is having a good World Cup.
Elliot Anderson, 7: Brilliant tackle to spark England’s second goal. He is proving to be exactly the player this team have been missing for the past decade or more.
Declan Rice, 7: Early yellow card put him on thin ice throughout, but his driving run was key in laying the groundwork for England’s first goal. A huge shift in midfield when England were down to 10 men.
Jude Bellingham, 9: A brilliant first-half double set England on their way at the Azteca, and his goal-saving tackle on the stroke of half-time was sensational. Didn’t stop.
Bukayo Saka, 7: A delightful cross for Bellingham’s first goal, the sort of end product England had lacked with Noni Madueke on the right wing. Saka’s fitness is going to be key to England’s tournament progress.
Harry Kane, 7: From goalscorer to provider, his assist for Bellingham’s second goal was perfectly placed and unselfish too, when he could have tried to shoot.
Anthony Gordon, 7: Fast, direct running down the left wing gave England an extra attacking dimension.
Substitutes
John Stones, 6: Chipped in with some interceptions and blocks.
Djed Spence, 6: Important last-ditch tackle denied Mexico in the latter stages.
Dan Burn, 6: Headed the ball out of Pickford’s hands at one point but made some important challenges too.
Morgan Rogers, n/a.
