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England delivered one of their most memorable World Cup displays, defeating Mexico 3-2 on Sunday to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2026 tournament. Jude Bellingham struck twice in the first half, while Harry Kane kept himself in contention for the Golden Boot with a penalty. Despite being reduced to ten men after Jarell Quansah's red card, the Three Lions held firm for a famous win.

Kick-off was delayed by an hour due to severe weather near Estadio Azteca, and Mexico started on the front foot. Jordan Pickford was called into action early, diving low to deny Raul Jimenez’s header with a superb stop.

England gradually found their rhythm and broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when Bukayo Saka reached the byline and crossed perfectly for Bellingham to head home at the back post. Within just 98 seconds, they doubled their lead as Bellingham bundled the ball in again from a Kane assist.

Mexico pulled a goal back before the interval through Julian Quinones, who lashed home after England failed to clear a free-kick properly. Jimenez then threatened twice to equalise – first missing narrowly before seeing another header brilliantly saved by Pickford.

Thomas Tuchel’s men began the second half brightly, and Bellingham nearly completed a hat-trick when he deflected Nico O'Reilly’s volley onto the post. However, England’s momentum suffered when Quansah was dismissed for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo following a VAR review.

Despite the setback, England continued to press forward. They extended their advantage when Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raul Rangel, and Kane calmly converted the resulting penalty. But Mexico hit back quickly after Kane conceded a foul in the box, allowing Jimenez to score from the spot.

From that point, England had to withstand heavy pressure from the co-hosts, but Pickford and his defenders held their ground, sealing a hard-earned victory that sets up a quarter-final clash with Norway in Miami on Saturday.

Here are GOAL’s ratings for England’s players in Mexico City:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Jordan Pickford (9/10): Produced two outstanding saves to deny Jimenez in the first half and showed total command in his box after a testing tournament.

Jarell Quansah (4/10): Had managed Quinones well until his reckless challenge earned him a straight red card, leaving his team under pressure.

Ezri Konsa (6/10): Allowed Jimenez space early on and his weak clearance helped Mexico pull one back. Improved after the break, especially when moved to right-back.

Marc Guehi (8/10): Displayed composure and a fine passing range, adding solidity in the centre of defence.

Nico O'Reilly (6/10): An energetic display at left-back and nearly scored after the break. Lost his composure at times as the tension rose.

Midfield

Elliot Anderson (7/10): His relentless pressing led directly to England’s second goal. Passed confidently and tackled with intent in his best showing of the tournament so far.

Declan Rice (8/10): Recovered from an early booking to dominate midfield. His driving run set up the opener and he controlled the tempo expertly.

Jude Bellingham (9/10): Two smart runs to the back post yielded two goals. His defensive effort late in the first half was crucial in preserving the lead. Constantly tried to push England forward, though occasionally lost possession with over-ambitious dribbles.

Attack

Bukayo Saka (6/10): Did brilliantly to set up the opener but faded slightly as the match progressed. Worked hard before being withdrawn after the red card.

Harry Kane (7/10): Registered both a goal and an assist while contributing defensively. Unfortunate to concede a penalty but otherwise led the line well.

Anthony Gordon (9/10): Used his pace to stretch Mexico’s defence and followed up his strong performance against DR Congo with another impressive outing. Won the penalty and remained a constant outlet after Quansah’s dismissal.

Substitutes & Manager

John Stones (7/10): Came on after the red card and made vital blocks to preserve the lead.

Djed Spence (7/10): Executed several crucial tackles as Mexico piled on the pressure late on.

Dan Burn (7/10): Added height and physicality to the defence, helping England repel crosses into the box.

Morgan Rogers (N/A): Injected energy up front and pressed effectively after replacing Kane.

Thomas Tuchel (8/10): Set up his team perfectly for the unique challenge of the Azteca. Managed substitutions astutely to fortify the defence, earning a tactical victory that reflected his planning and leadership.