England beat Mexico 3-2 at Azteca to reach World Cup quarter-finals

England defeated Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Saturday, coach Thomas Tuchel said, securing progression to the World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami; the victory came after a dramatic match delayed by storms and completed despite a second-half red card, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice.

England arrived in challenging conditions more than 7,000ft above sea level and faced intense hostility from the home crowd, yet produced a performance that overcame altitude, noise and an hour-long weather delay.

Bellingham opened the scoring with two goals that gave England control before Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico shortly before half-time.

Early in the second half, Jarell Quansah was sent off, reducing England to 10 men, but Harry Kane converted a penalty to restore a two-goal cushion before conceding a spot-kick that Raul Jimenez converted to make the finish tense.

Tuchel adjusted his tactics after the red card, bringing on John Stones, then Dan Burn and Djed Spence to form a back five, and England defended resolutely as Mexico pressed in the closing minutes.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced key saves in the first half, including two from Raul Jimenez, and managed his area effectively as Mexico searched for an equaliser late on.

Former England players and pundits praised the team’s attitude and Tuchel’s substitutions, noting the significance of winning at the Azteca, where Mexico had previously lost only two of 89 competitive matches.

Bellingham was named man of the match and described his pride in representing England, while Tuchel highlighted the players’ commitment and resilience in adverse conditions.

The win moves England into the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway in Miami on Saturday; the match finished 3-2 after 11 minutes of added time, and will be remembered for its dramatic circumstances and England’s defensive endurance with 10 men.