England end Mexicos World…

MEXICO CITY — Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot in the 60th minute, while Jude Bellingham netted twice to lead 10-man England to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico in a dramatic encounter at Azteca Stadium, setting up a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against Norway.

In front of a sold-out crowd of 80,824, kickoff was delayed by an hour due to lightning storms, but the excitement among El Tri fans was palpable for this significant match. What unfolded was a World Cup classic.

Raúl Jiménez forced Jordan Pickford into a sharp early save, but Mexico could not match the swift start that overwhelmed Ecuador in their previous match.

Instead, England struck twice within 98 seconds during the first half. A brilliant 36th-minute sequence saw Declan Rice drive forward, passing to Bukayo Saka, whose cross was met by Bellingham for a close-range header.

England quickly found themselves 2-0 ahead.

Elliot Anderson won the ball high up the pitch, and after a series of exchanges with Anthony Gordon and Bellingham, Kane delivered a cross to the stunned Mexican supporters.

Mexico responded and narrowed the gap when Julián Quiñones hammered a shot past Pickford, who later made a crucial save from Jiménez as Mexico sought an equalizer.

The second half continued at a frenetic pace. After a VAR review, Jarell Quansah was red-carded for a high tackle on Jesús Gallardo at the 54-minute mark. Just six minutes later, Kane converted a penalty after Raúl Rangel fouled Gordon in the area.

Kane went on to make history as the first player since 1966 to score and concede a penalty in a World Cup match when he mistakenly fouled substitute Brian Gutiérrez. Jiménez converted the penalty in the 69th minute, setting up a nerve-wracking finale that included 11 minutes of stoppage time. However, England held on and will face Norway in Miami on Saturday. — James Olley

England Achieves Landmark Win Abroad

While Mexico’s footballing prowess may be debated, considering all the challenges leading up to the match—the altitude, the kickoff time, the weather conditions, and the commotion outside their hotel—Sunday’s victory ranks among England’s finest away tournament triumphs. This marked only Mexico’s third home defeat in their last 90 matches, and England accomplished it while playing with 10 men for 36 minutes.

England, who won the World Cup in 1966 and reached the final of Euro 2020, usually play their notable matches on home soil. Past significant victories include wins against Argentina in Japan in 2002, Croatia in 2004, and the Netherlands in Euro 2024 semifinals, but they have never encountered a host atmosphere as intimidating as this one.

Historically, a red card has been a setback for England in tournaments—consider David Beckham in 1998 or Wayne Rooney in 2006. After Quansah’s dismissal, however, England managed the match expertly. Manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactical adjustments were pivotal, including the decision to substitute Kane in the 90th minute. — Olley

Mexico’s Fans Rally, but It Falls Short

Mexico, having previously maintained clean sheets throughout the tournament, conceded their first goal when Bellingham found the net. Historically, they’ve struggled after being the first to concede.

Initially, the team struggled to recover after going behind, allowing Bellingham to score a second just 98 seconds later. However, once the shock subsided, the passionate crowd at Azteca rallied Mexico back into contention. The deafening chants of “Si, se puede” (“Yes, we can”) filled the stadium, motivating the players to push forward.

Mexico’s determination paid off when Quiñones scored, sending the crowd into a frenzy, celebrating his goal with enthusiasm that shook the press box.

Despite the penalties given against them, the fans continued to push for a Mexico equalizer. Although Mexico’s tactics fell short against England, their supporters acted as a formidable 12th man. — Lizzy Becherano

England’s Defensive Challenges Remain

The final 30 minutes showcased a tremendous defensive effort from England, yet recurring issues at right back continue to emerge. Before Quansah’s sending off, they had already shown vulnerabilities, especially against Jiménez, who drew excellent saves from Pickford. The central pairing of Marc Guéhi and Ezri Konsa had their struggles as well. An incredible intervention from Bellingham even prevented Mexico from leveling right before halftime.

The right back position has plagued England since Reece James was injured after the Ghana draw. Quansah’s sending-off was unfortunate, as he made contact with the ball, but momentum carried him into Gallardo’s leg.

Ultimately, grit and resilience guided England to success. John Stones bolstered the defense, and towards the end of the match, they formed a flat back five, with Djed Spence on left back and Dan Burn as an additional center back. Pickford’s decision-making and Burn’s presence, combined with Stones’ experience, allowed England to persevere through the final moments. In summary, the concluding 20 minutes were a lesson in determination.

The looming question is: What will they do against Norway? With James sidelined, Quansah was utilized against Panama but got injured, leading Spence to finish that match. In the clash against Congo DR, Spence started, and Rice was pressed into a makeshift right back role after Spence’s substitution. With Quansah suspended against Norway, England must either fast-track James’ recovery or consider either Spence or Konsa to fill the right back position, which isn’t ideal. — Tom Hamilton

Bellingham Channels His Inner Maradona at Azteca

Tuchel noted the karma favored England after Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal for Argentina 40 years back. It became especially meaningful when Bellingham scored two goals at Azteca, a feat not accomplished since Maradona in 1986.

Maradona’s goals came in a semifinal win over Belgium on their way to winning the tournament, but only time will tell the significance of Bellingham’s brace. He becomes the second Englishman to achieve such a feat, following Gary Lineker, who also scored twice in the round of 16 against Paraguay before Maradona did it.

Both of Bellingham’s goals stemmed from perfectly executed runs into the box, showcasing how Tuchel has tailored a system that allows him to excel offensively. The 23-year-old has now found the net in three of England’s five World Cup matches, and his promising partnership with Kane was evident as the England captain assisted Bellingham’s second goal.

Following Bellingham’s goal celebration inspired by Kane’s against Panama, Kane reciprocated with a similar celebration after scoring. A delightful trend is forming for England. — Olley

Jiménez Shines Against His Second Home

Much discussion surrounded Jiménez leading up to this match, due to his extensive experience in England.

“This match is special because I’ve played for over half my career in England,” he noted before the game. “I know the players, but we’re not friends. I’ve exchanged jerseys, but that’s about it.”

Jiménez has netted six goals against Pickford, the most for any goalkeeper in the Premier League. He created two potent chances in the first half, both thwarted by excellent saves from Pickford. Had those not been stopped, the match could have taken a different turn for England.

The 35-year-old, who has spent the last eight years in England, ultimately found the back of the net from the penalty spot. He finished the night with seven shots, three on target, ensuring that Pickford remained alert throughout the match—just like in the Premier League. — Becherano

England Discoveres Wing Production in Gordon

Gordon, who faced criticism after the Ghana game, came back to prove himself successfully. He played a key role in England’s win over Congo DR, assisting both of Kane’s goals, earning a deserved start for this match.

He shone for England, demonstrating why Barcelona sought to sign him before the World Cup started. When England needed an outlet in the first half, he was the one to challenge the Mexican defense, causing early difficulties for them. He played a critical role in the second goal, his pass setting up Bellingham for his combination with Kane, and he also won the penalty leading to England’s third goal.

On the opposite flank, Saka had a quieter performance, but his significant contribution came in providing the cross that Bellingham headed in for England’s first goal. The wingers have been a challenging area for England in this World Cup, yet Tuchel’s selections proved effective. — Hamilton