England produced one of their greatest ever victories to bring down Mexico’s fortress and soar into the World Cup quarter-finals.
After an hour’s delay in Mexico City, Thomas Tuchel’s side weathered a fierce storm of their own and then hit the co-hosts with a double strike, Jude Bellingham firing home twice in the space of 99 seconds.
Juan Quinones cut the deficit in half on the stroke of half-time, and then England were hit by another body blow as Jarell Quansah was given a straight red card for a dangerous tackle.
But the 10 men of England picked themselves up and Anthony Gordon burst clear before being brought down by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel in the penalty area, and Harry Kane powered in his 14th World Cup goal from the spot. But the drama was nowhere near done and Raul Jimenez made it a one-goal game again with a penalty after a Kane foul.
A heroic defensive effort was needed and England delivered, holding on through 11 minutes of time added on to become the first team to beat Mexico in their home stadium, setting up a last-eight clash with Norway in Miami on Saturday night.
Daily Mail Sport‘s Chief Football Reporter CRAIG HOPE was at the Estadio Azteca to give his verdict on the England players, and you can make your judgments too with our new ratings tool.
England’s players are jubilant at full time as they celebrate with the travelling fans in the Estadio Azteca
After becoming the first team ever to beat Mexico in the Azteca at a World Cup, all eyes are now on Norway in Miami on Saturday night
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford – 9/10
Two sensational first-half saves to announce his arrival at this World Cup, both from Jimenez headers. The first was Gordon Banks-esque, the second was classic Pickford, flying to his top corner. This was Tournament Pickford. Immense.
Jarell Quansah – 4
Red card nightmare. Slightly unfortunate in that his foot bounced up off the ball, but he was out of control. He’d done OK to that point and had joined attacks with energy and willingness.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Should have done better in clearing for the Mexico opener but recovered, especially when going to right back, where he made a couple of big blocks. Carried a knock late on but kept at it heroically.
Marc Guehi – 8
Key in giving England a foothold early in the game. One superbly timed interception to stop Mexico running clear. Won a couple of clever free-kicks, showed maturity and led the late resistance. His best performance yet for England.
Nico O’Reilly – 7
Had some very good moments in attack. One wicked cross that deserved a taker and a shot that cracked the post. Was taken off on a yellow, but this was his best game of the tournament. He’s growing into the role.
Two sensational first-half saves to announce his arrival at this World Cup, both from Raul Jimenez headers
Elliot Anderson – 7
His best work was in defence and he snapped through tackles when Mexico swarmed forward. Also won the ball at the onset of the move for England’s second. Tired in the second half and was replaced, but he’d given his lot.
Declan Rice – 8
So much for carrying an injury, he ran and ran and never stopped. His part in the first goal was key, carrying the ball upfield. Stayed on until the end and held the midfield together with 10 men. Kept his discipline after his first-minute booking. Superb.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Still doesn’t look 100 per cent but he’s on the pitch for moments of class, and he provided that with a delicate cross for Bellingham’s opener. Sacrificed after Quansah’s red and it was the right call by Tuchel, but that’s no reflection on Saka.
Jude Bellingham – 9
Alti-Jude! His two goals were all about desire, wanting it more than the Mexican defenders, but also world-class timing. And that is what Bellingham is – world-class. He was England’s man for the big occasion, evidenced by a huge goalmouth clearance at other end. Man of the match.
Jude Bellingham’s two goals were all about desire, wanting it more than the Mexican defenders, but also world-class timing
Anthony Gordon – 8
Won the penalty by preying on the shoulder of the defence and was a threat all game. He then dropped back into midfield with 10 men and was a warrior. Like many, the standout night of his England career.
Harry Kane (captain) – 8
Seven touches in a quiet first half but one of them was the cross for Bellingham’s second. He then showed nerve to convert his penalty and was unfortunate to concede at the other end. His greatest game? No. But a goal and an assist. That’s Kane.
Harry Kane’s greatest game? No. But a goal and an assist. That’s Kane (right)
SUBSTITUTES
John Stones (on for Bukayo Saka, 57min) – 8
Outstanding in the middle of defence. Showed his class and was always in the right place at the right time.
Djed Spence (on for Elliot Anderson, 75min) – 7
Athleticism so important in seeing out the win. Should start the next game now with Quansah suspended.
Dan Burn (on for Nico O’Reilly, 75min) – 8
Brought on to head it, kick it, block it – and that’s what he did. Played a huge part.
Morgan Rogers (on for Harry Kane, 90min) – 6
Came on at the death to chase loose balls.
Dan Burn was brought on to head it, kick it, block it – and that’s what he did. Played a huge part
MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel – 9
Got his early setup right by getting to the first drinks break level – and that allowed his best players to shine. Reacted so well with changes to the twists and turns of an incredible game.
Mexico (4-3-3)
Rangel 5; Sanchez 6 (Fidalgo 79min), Montes 5 (Alvarez 46, 5), Vasquez 5, Gallardo 6; Mora 6 (Gimenez 61, 5), Lira 7, Romo 6 (Gutierrez 61, 5); Alvarado 6, Jimenez 7, Quinones 7 (Martinez 81). Booked: Sanchez, Vasquez. Scorers: Quinones 42, Jimenez 69 (pen).
Manager: Javier Aguirre – 5
Referee
Alireza Faghani (Australia) – 4
Was jumpy all game – booking Rice after 58 seconds – and the decision to penalise Kane for a penalty after VAR review felt wrong. The Quansah red card was the right call, but not sure the Australian will go beyond this round.
