England beat Mexico 3-2 to advance to World Cup quarterfinals

England beat Mexico 3-2 to advance to World Cup quarterfinals

England overcame a red card and a fierce late surge from co-hosts Mexico to win 3-2 in a chaotic World Cup round of 16 match on Sunday, July 5. The victory at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City sends the Three Lions into the quarterfinals, where they will face Norway on July 11 in Miami.

The match served as a form of redemption for England, who had not returned to the historic venue since being knocked out of the 1986 World Cup in the quarterfinals following Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal. Jude Bellingham became the first man since Maradona in 1986 to score two goals in a World Cup match at the stadium.

Bellingham provided the early spark, scoring two goals in two minutes during the first half. His first came via a header off a pass from Bukayo Saka. He quickly followed with a second, tapping the ball into the net following a move planned by Harry Kane.

Mexico responded before the halftime break when Julián Quiñones scored, tapping the ball into the net off a free kick. The goal was Quiñones' fourth of the tournament, tying him with Mexico legends Luis "El Matador" Hernandez and Chicharito. The first half ended 2-1, with the home side carrying momentum after a halftime show featuring the band Maná performing El Rey.

The second half was marked by disciplinary drama and VAR interventions. Jarell Quansah was sent off after a sliding challenge into Jesús Gallardo, an incident that sparked a shoving match between England players and the Mexico bench. England played the remainder of the match with 10 men.

England restored their two-goal lead when Harry Kane converted a penalty after Raúl Rangel tripped Anthony Gordon in the penalty box. However, the lead was trimmed again shortly after when Mexico earned a penalty of their own. Raúl Jiménez converted the spot-kick after Harry Kane kicked Brian Gutiérrez while challenging for the ball.

Mexico pressured heavily in the closing stages, including 11 minutes of added time. Raúl Jiménez attempted a bicycle kick that was swatted away, and Álvaro Fidalgo had a close-range effort saved by Jordan Pickford. Mexico's goalkeeper, Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa, whose career ended with this match after playing in a record sixth World Cup, was visibly emotional following the final whistle.

England's defense held firm, aided by Dan Burn, who was introduced in the 75th minute. After the match, the England squad gathered to sing Wonderwall by Oasis, which has served as the team's non-official anthem for the tournament.

Post-Match Reactions and Injuries

Jude Bellingham, who won his third Player of the Match award of the tournament, noted that previous England teams might have crumbled under the pressure of the Azteca atmosphere, but praised Thomas Tuchel's side for sticking together.

Mexico captain Edson Álvarez said the team gave everything against a top-class side and felt they were chasing something that belonged to them. Manager Javier Aguirre, speaking to FIFA, stated he could not fault his team but noted that at the top level, mistakes cost you dearly.

The victory was marred by a celebration-period injury to Jordan Henderson. Thomas Tuchel told the BBC that Henderson injured his wrist and it looks really bad, while Bellingham confirmed the medical team has the situation under control.

The match began following a one-hour weather delay caused by thunderstorms in Mexico City. The venue, situated 7,350 feet above sea level, is known for thin air that can impact athlete performance.