Ten-Man England Beats Mexico 3-2 in World Cup Thriller to Reach Quarterfinals

Ten-man England battled through a fierce Mexican onslaught to secure a 3-2 victory and reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the third consecutive tournament. The dramatic win over co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium was sealed thanks to a brace from Jude Bellingham and a Harry Kane penalty.

“

Ten-man England weathered a Mexico storm at the Azteca Stadium to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the third straight time with a rip-roaring 3-2 victory over the co-hosts on Sunday thanks to a Jude Bellingham double and Harry Kane penalty.

The match, delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms, saw England take an early lead. Bellingham opened the scoring with a diving header from a Bukayo Saka cross just past the half-hour mark. He doubled England's advantage within two minutes, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack initiated after a Mexican defensive error.

“

Bellingham put England ahead with a diving header from Bukayo Saka's fine cross just past the half-hour and made it 2-0 within two minutes after another break down the right with captain Harry Kane providing the centre.

Mexico, spurred on by their passionate home support, fought back. Julian Quinones halved the deficit in the 42nd minute with a volley inside the box following a scramble from a free-kick. The hosts gained further momentum after halftime when England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off for a rash challenge in the 54th minute, leaving England to play with 10 men.

“

The Mexican crowd responded with chants of "Yes we can" and their players responded when livewire winger Julian Quinones volleyed home inside the box after a scramble following a free kick to get the hosts back into the match.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, England extended their lead to 3-1 in the 60th minute when Harry Kane calmly converted a penalty after Anthony Gordon was fouled. However, Mexico refused to give up, and Raul Jimenez scored from the spot in the 69th minute after Kane conceded a penalty, setting up a nail-biting finish. England had to dig deep in the closing stages, defending resolutely to preserve their lead and secure a famous victory.

“

Just as England looked to enjoy some breathing space, captain Kane gave away a penalty as he tried to clear the ball and after a VAR review the referee pointed to the spot. Raul Jimenez stepped up to make it 3-2 and give Mexico hope again.