Evening Standard
·7 July 2026
A courageous 3-2 triumph at the Estadio Azteca could mark a turning point for the Three Lions.
In Mexico City, jubilant supporters of the England national team filled the streets, singing and celebrating after witnessing a thrilling encounter worthy of the iconic Estadio Azteca, one of football’s most legendary venues.
Clad not in green but in red and white, they were England fans rejoicing a historic win.
England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico was an instant classic—an earthquake of a result that could redefine their campaign. Against the roar of a partisan crowd and the challenges of high altitude, England’s resilient performance captured the imagination and reignited belief that the team could genuinely lift the World Cup trophy.
That surge of belief was palpable across the football world. England supporters now dare to dream that this could finally be their year. The players themselves drew strength from their resolute defending during the tense closing stages, holding firm to secure one of their most memorable victories in recent memory.
Other World Cup contenders undoubtedly took notice. Although Argentina also secured a 3-2 win over Cape Verde in the same round, the two matches could hardly have been more different. England’s triumph stood out as the most impressive of the round of 16—matched only by Norway’s shock elimination of Brazil.
Now, it is Norway who await them in the quarter-finals, as England reach the last eight of the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
This marks Norway’s first appearance in a World Cup quarter-final, yet they cannot be underestimated. The Scandinavian side have shown impressive tactical discipline, composure in high-pressure moments, and a level of game management rarely seen from nations returning after nearly three decades away from the tournament.
Norway’s campaign, as expected, has been led by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who has already scored seven goals in four matches in his debut World Cup. His sensational performance against Brazil, in particular, ensured that even the most casual observers took notice of Norway’s remarkable progress. The message to England is clear—ignore him at your peril.
England, as ever, will meticulously prepare. Thomas Tuchel and his coaching staff are focusing on fine-tuning minor flaws while maintaining emphasis on the team’s strengths. With a five-day break before their next match in Florida, the squad has just enough time to savour their triumph in Mexico City before shifting focus to the challenge of reaching their first World Cup semi-final since 2018.
Leading the charge for England are Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, whose exceptional performances have powered the team to the quarter-finals. Their outstanding form has injected renewed energy and optimism into the camp, transforming a campaign that had seemed to stagnate since the Croatia epic into one brimming with purpose and promise—thanks to England’s unforgettable night at the Azteca.
