Mexico City: England secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against co-hosts Mexico in a high-octane Round of 16 encounter at the Estadio Azteca on Monday (IST). Despite being reduced to 10 men early in the second half, Thomas Tuchel’s side showed immense defensive resolve to book a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Bellingham’s Rapid Impact

Jude Bellingham was the catalyst for England’s success, scoring two goals in the space of just 98 seconds during the first half. This brace stands as the fastest ever by an English player in World Cup history. The opening goal arrived in the 36th minute following a precise cross from Bukayo Saka, which Bellingham powered home with his head. He doubled his tally just two minutes later, finishing off a slick one-two move with Harry Kane.

Mexico responded just before the interval through Julián Quiñones, whose powerful finish ignited the home crowd and kept the hosts in contention.

Red Card Drama

The match’s complexity intensified in the 54th minute when England defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a challenge on Jesús Gallardo. Quansah became only the fourth England player to be dismissed in a World Cup tournament.

Kane Seals the Result

Despite the disadvantage, England extended their lead on the hour mark. After Anthony Gordon was fouled in the box, Harry Kane converted the subsequent penalty—his second of the tournament. Though Raúl Jiménez narrowed the deficit with a penalty of his own in the 69th minute, England’s defensive unit, bolstered by late substitutions including Dan Burn and Djed Spence, successfully withstood a barrage of late pressure from the Mexican attack.

England will now advance to face Norway in the quarter-finals on July 12 (IST) at Miami Stadium.