Mexico 2-3 England: Bellingham, Kane Fire Three Lions into World Cup Quarter-finals

By Charles Maduka

Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane added another as 10-man England defeated Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling Round of 16 clash to book their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.

After kick-off at the Azteca Stadium was delayed by an hour because of thunderstorms, England took control through Bellingham’s first-half brace. Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico before Jarell Quansah was sent off in the second half.

Kane restored England’s two-goal advantage from the penalty spot, but Raul Jimenez also converted a penalty to keep Mexico in the contest. Despite intense late pressure, England held on to set up a quarter-final meeting with Norway.

Mexico made the brighter start and almost opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Jimenez met Roberto Alvarado’s cross with a diving header, but Jordan Pickford produced an excellent save to push the effort wide.

England struck first in the 36th minute as Bukayo Saka broke quickly down the right before sending in a cross that Bellingham headed home at the far post.

Just 98 seconds later, Bellingham doubled England’s lead. After winning possession in midfield, he exchanged passes with Kane before finishing from close range.

Mexico responded four minutes later when England failed to clear Alvarado’s free-kick, allowing Quinones to fire a volley into the roof of the net.

The hosts finished the first half strongly, with Jimenez missing one chance before forcing another save from Pickford, while Bellingham cleared Cesar Montes’ effort off the line.

England started the second half positively, with Nico O’Reilly hitting the post after his effort took a deflection off Bellingham.

However, England were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute when Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review after catching Jesus Gallardo on the shin with a late challenge.

Despite the setback, England restored their two-goal lead on the hour mark. Anthony Gordon won a penalty after beating goalkeeper Raul Rangel to Kane’s flick-on, and Kane calmly converted from the spot.

Mexico were awarded a penalty of their own in the 69th minute after Kane fouled Brian Gutierrez. Jimenez made no mistake from 12 yards, sending Pickford the wrong way to make it 3-2.

Mexico pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but England defended bravely, blocking several efforts before holding on for an impressive victory.

The win ended Mexico’s unbeaten run in 10 World Cup matches at the Azteca Stadium. England’s success was inspired by Bellingham, who became the second-fastest player to score twice in a World Cup match for the Three Lions after Gary Lineker’s brace against Poland in 1986.

Quinones also reached a milestone, becoming the joint-highest Mexican scorer in World Cup history with four goals alongside Luis Hernandez and Javier Hernandez.

He is also the first Mexican player to score in three consecutive World Cup appearances.

Kane’s goal was his sixth at this year’s tournament, making him only the second England player to score six goals in a major tournament on two separate occasions after Gary Lineker.

Pickford also equalled Peter Shilton’s England record of 17 World Cup appearances and produced several key saves as the Three Lions reached their third consecutive World Cup quarter-final and the 11th in their history. Only Brazil and Germany have reached the last eight more often.