England Edge Mexico in Five-Goal Thriller to Storm into FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals
Bellingham scores twice as resilient England overcome red card to eliminate co-hosts Mexico in thrilling knockout clash.
The Impressive TimesMexico City, July 6: England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after defeating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday. Despite being reduced to 10 men for a significant part of the second half, England produced a resilient display to edge past the hosts in one of the tournament’s most entertaining contests.
The highly anticipated knockout fixture was delayed by an hour due to adverse weather conditions in Mexico City before fans witnessed a thrilling five-goal battle between the two sides.
Jude Bellingham starred for England with a superb brace, while captain Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty to provide the decisive goal. Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones and veteran striker Raúl Jiménez, who kept the contest alive until the closing stages with determined attacking play.
England’s task became considerably more difficult after defender Jarrell Quansah received a red card, forcing the Three Lions to play the remainder of the match with 10 players. However, disciplined defending and crucial saves enabled the visitors to withstand sustained Mexican pressure and secure their place in the last eight.
Mexico enjoyed strong support from the home crowd and created several opportunities, but England held their composure under intense pressure to preserve their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The victory continues England’s impressive campaign and keeps alive their hopes of lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy. The team’s ability to respond under pressure despite being a man down highlighted their determination and tactical discipline in a high-stakes knockout encounter.
England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals on July 11 after the Scandinavian side stunned Brazil with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16. Erling Haaland scored both goals for Norway to set up an intriguing last-eight clash against England, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
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