England beat Mexico 3-2 in World Cup thriller, advance to quarter-finals despite Quansah red card

England survived a ferocious Mexico fightback and a second-half red card to win 3-2 in the World Cup round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca. Jude Bellingham scored twice in 99 seconds late in the first half, and Harry Kane converted a penalty on the hour mark. Mexico replied through Julián Quiñones and a Raúl Jiménez penalty, but Thomas Tuchel's side held on with ten men after Jarell Quansah was sent off.

Bellingham's rapid double

After a cagey opening half-hour, England struck twice in devastating fashion. Bukayo Saka crossed from the right and Bellingham headed in from close range at the 36th minute. Almost immediately from the restart, England won the ball in midfield, Kane fed Bellingham, and the Real Madrid midfielder slotted home his second. The two goals came inside 99 seconds and silenced the home crowd.

Mexico respond before the break

Mexico, who had earlier forced a fine save from Jordan Pickford via Jiménez's header, pulled one back in the 42nd minute. Quiñones finished from close range after a free-kick caused confusion in the England defence. The co-hosts pressed for an equaliser before half-time, with Pickford denying further efforts from Romo and Alvarado.

Red card and penalty drama

The second half continued at a frantic pace. England's O'Reilly struck the post in the 49th minute, but five minutes later Quansah was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for a studs-up tackle. Despite the numerical disadvantage, England won a penalty when Anthony Gordon was fouled following a long Pickford clearance. Kane converted in the 60th minute to make it 3-1. Mexico were awarded a penalty of their own after a clumsy Kane challenge inside the area, and Jiménez scored in the 69th minute to set up a tense finale.

What comes next

England will face Norway, led by Erling Haaland, in the quarter-finals on Sunday 12 July. The victory ended Mexico's unbeaten record at the Azteca in World Cup finals, where they had previously recorded eight wins and two draws in ten matches. It was also the first defeat of the tournament for the co-hosts, who had won all four of their previous games.