England reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup after beating hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic round-of-16 tie at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The result sent the tournament co-favourites through to the last eight and ended the home nation's run in front of its own supporters, in a match England led throughout but which Mexico refused to let slip away quietly.
Jude Bellingham was the standout figure, scoring twice in the first half. He opened the scoring with a header after a cross from Bukayo Saka, then doubled the lead soon afterwards, this time finishing from a delivery by Harry Kane. The two goals came in quick succession and briefly threatened to overwhelm Mexico, who found themselves two down early at their own stadium.
Mexico responded before the interval, with Quinones pulling a goal back to give the hosts hope and set up a tense finish. The early exchanges had been fierce, and the Azteca, which had been a difficult venue for visiting teams, roared its side on as the home team tried to force a way back into the contest.
The game grew more complicated for England when they were reduced to ten men. Defender Jarell Quansah was shown a red card following a review of a strong challenge, leaving England to protect their advantage a player short for a significant part of the match. Even so, they continued to carry a threat on the counterattack and looked to make their lead count.
Harry Kane restored England's two-goal cushion from the penalty spot, making it 3-1 and easing some of the pressure. Mexico were not finished, though, and won a penalty of their own late on, which Raul Jimenez converted to make it 3-2 and ensure a nervous conclusion for England as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.
England held firm until the final whistle to secure the win and the passage to the next round. It was a notable result at a venue where England had struggled in the past, and the players celebrated a hard-fought victory earned despite the numerical disadvantage and Mexico's persistent fightback in the closing stages.
Attention now turns to the last eight, where England are set to face Norway, with the tie scheduled to be played in Miami. Norway had earlier booked their place in the quarterfinals as well, setting up a meeting between the two sides, while Mexico's hopes of progressing on home soil came to an end with the defeat.