Jude Bellingham scores a wonderful second goal for England in the first half. (Image: Getty)
England reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup with their biggest ever victory on foreign soil with 10 men. The Three Lions became only the third team in the past 60 years to defeat Mexico in an official match at Azteca Stadium. They won 3-2 and eliminated the co-hosting team in Mexico City. After kickoff was delayed by an hour due to inclement weather, Jude Bellingham silenced the Aztecs with a 37th-minute opener and added another just 99 seconds later.
Four minutes after Bellingham’s second goal, Julian Quinones scored his fourth goal of the World Cup, again raising hopes for the home crowd. Then, nine minutes into the second half, Jarrell Quansah was given a red card, sparking further celebrations in Mexico. Moments later, however, Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot to make it 3-1. Kane converted a penalty with 20 minutes remaining, allowing Raul Jimenez to close the gap. However, England’s 10-man defense was superb as they weathered the onslaught and secured a place in the quarter-finals against Norway.
Express Sport rates England’s players and plans…
England vs Mexico player ratings
wonderful. He made a superb low save to deny Raul Jimenez on the left and then made a leaping stop, sending the striker’s header over the bar. A great gather and throw to start England’s move to open the scoring. Diving in the right way, he was unable to prevent Jimenez’s penalty and remained authoritative in the second half when Mexico demanded crosses and punched clear other players to threaten an equalizing goal.
He faced Mexico’s dangerous Julian Quinones, but was easily denied by the winger, and Jimenez had a chance in stoppage time in the first half. He was sent off in the 54th minute for an apparent red card violation. Caught Jesús Gallardo in studs at Mexican shin height.
His clearance ended well in Quinones’ goal, but he was unlucky. When England were reduced to 10 men, he moved to right-back and made a good shift.
Jimenez created some threatening chances in the first half and helped his team maintain their good form despite Mexico’s barrage in the closing stages.
Despite only being on his 10th cap, he continues to look comfortable at this level. He delivered a perfect cross into the box early in the second half, but none of his teammates were alert enough to attack it. Just seconds later, a 20-yard volley hit the post. He was carded and sent off shortly after for allegedly elbowing Jorge Sanchez.
He was booked within a minute for high footing, but also dealt with the yellow card very well. He was as heroic off the ball as ever, despite the reservations, as he darted forward long before passing to Saka to score England’s first goal.
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Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are England’s heroes again (Image: Getty)
Jarrell Quansah sent off for bad challenge (Image: Getty)
They used a tenacious press to win the ball and started moving towards their second goal. He scored a vital headed clearance in Mexico’s attack, but given his energy it was surprising to see him sent off in the 75th minute.
It was a great job to get to the goal line and put in a perfect cross for Bellingham to take the lead. It was very unlucky to concede a soft free-kick that led to Quinones’ goal, and it was also unlucky that Quansah was forced to come off the bench due to his sending off. Although it’s not 100% yet.
He scored two goals in quick succession, increasing his total to four points in the World Cup, and once again became the man of the hour. Both are great moves. Then he made a sensational recovery in defense at the other end to deny Cesar Montes from close range to make it 2-2 – and it all happened before half-time! A great run in the second half showed how good he is at dribbling and he became the linchpin of the 10-man defense. A certain player.
He was sharp and looked intent on targeting Sanchez. He tested Raul Rangel with England’s first shot on target and contributed to their second goal with a pass to Bellingham. His lightning reaction brought Rangel down on the ball and earned England a penalty.
Bellingham made a good run to create space to make it 1-0 and caught the Mexican defense by surprise by supplying an unselfish cross for the second goal. He put up a good fight and the ball fell to Gordon, who won a penalty and took the spot kick. He fouled Brian Gutierrez at the other end, giving him a penalty. It was a foul, but it was an honest challenge on Kane’s defense, so it doesn’t affect his rating. I made a reservation.
substitute
John Stones (Saka 56′) – 7
I moved into center back. He used great positioning to block a cross and prevent Mexico from scoring an equaliser. It was a great job hitting the corner right before death.
Dan Byrne (O’Reilly 74′) – 7
He played in his World Cup debut to fight off Mexico’s bombardment and did his job. Great late block in the box.
Jed Spence (Anderson 73′) – 7
Some key defensive contributions. A great tackle denied Santiago Jimenez a late scoring chance.
Morgan Rogers (Kane 90) – N/A
Ran around to help England get over the line.
