The match did not start at the pace Mexico's supporters had come to expect. The home side had blown Ecuador away in the previous round, but England came out on the front foot. Jordan Pickford made an early smart save from Raúl Jiménez, but the real drama began midway through the first half when England scored twice in the space of just 98 seconds. In the 36th minute, Declan Rice drove forward and found Bukayo Saka wide on the right, whose cross was headed home by Jude Bellingham at the far post. Almost before the ball had been retrieved from the net, England were two up - Elliot Anderson won possession high up the pitch, Anthony Gordon fed Bellingham, who in turn played in Harry Kane, and the captain's cross was converted by Bellingham again to leave the Azteca in stunned silence.
Drama, A Red Card, and Nerves Right to the End
Mexico fought back almost immediately after the double strike, with Julián Quiñones thrashing a shot past Pickford to halve the deficit before half time. The atmosphere inside the stadium changed completely, with the famous Azteca roar returning as the home crowd willed their side back into the game. It was Mexico's first goal conceded of the tournament, and historically that kind of setback has derailed them - yet this time the supporters helped lift them back to their feet. Chants of "Si, se puede" - Yes, we can - filled every corner of the ground.
The second half brought another seismic moment when Jarell Quansah was dismissed following a VAR review for a high tackle on Jesús Gallardo in the 54th minute, leaving England to defend their lead with 36 minutes remaining and a player less. Six minutes later, England extended their advantage when Kane converted a penalty after Raúl Rangel brought down Gordon in the box. Kane then became the first player since 1966 to score and concede a penalty in the same World Cup match, fouling substitute Brian Gutiérrez to hand Mexico a spot kick that Jiménez buried in the 69th minute to make it 3-2. The final stages were an exhausting and nervy stand as Mexico pushed relentlessly for an equaliser, but England held firm with John Stones commanding at the back, Pickford outstanding on crosses, and Dan Burn and Djed Spence both playing their part as England shaped into a flat back five in the closing stages.
Bellingham Channels Maradona, Jiménez Impresses Against Former Rivals
Jude Bellingham wrote his name into Azteca folklore on Sunday night. His double made him only the second player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score twice at that stadium in a World Cup, after Maradona did it in a semifinal win over Belgium on his way to lifting the trophy. Bellingham has now scored in three of England's five matches at this tournament, and his partnership with Kane continues to grow. Both of Bellingham's goals came from perfectly timed runs into the box, reflecting how well head coach Thomas Tuchel has built a system that enables the 23-year-old to arrive late and in dangerous areas. Kane, who turned provider for the second goal and also scored the penalty, celebrated alongside Bellingham in a moment that is quickly becoming a recurring theme for this England squad.
Anthony Gordon was another standout, rewarded with a start after his effective substitute appearance against DR Congo. He was England's primary outlet in the first half, regularly running directly at Mexico's defence, playing a key role in the second goal and drawing the penalty that gave England their three-goal cushion. On the other flank, Saka's contribution was quieter but crucial — his delivery for the opening goal was inch-perfect. Meanwhile, Raúl Jiménez was a persistent thorn in England's side throughout. The 35-year-old, who has spent the past eight years playing club football in England, had seven shots across the night, three on target, and has now scored against Pickford more times in competitive football than any other opposition player. His converted penalty gave Mexico hope and made the closing stages far more uncomfortable than England would have liked. But ultimately, the three points and a quarterfinal berth belong to England.
