Under a deafening roof at Estadio Azteca, England held on for a 3-2 victory over co-host Mexico to reach the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. The last-16 tie was a high-drama affair that featured a rapid double from Jude Bellingham, two penalties and a straight red card, with England surviving sustained late pressure. Bellingham called it "Best occasion in an England shirt" when speaking to ITV after the match. England now face Norway in the quarter-finals for a place in the semi-finals.

The roof at the Azteca felt ready to lift off as Jude Bellingham put England ahead early, meeting a well-worked cross to head the visitors in front after build-up involving Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. Barely 98 seconds later Bellingham was celebrating again, this time finishing from close range after an incisive move that involved Elliot Anderson and Harry Kane.

Mexico clawed one back before half-time. A dangerous free-kick unsettled the England defence and Julián Quiñones volleyed in from close range to halve the deficit and send the stadium into raptures.

The second half pivoted on a VAR review. The referee, after checking the footage, showed Jarell Quansah a straight red card for a high, dangerous challenge. England were reduced to 10 men but didn't sit back. Anthony Gordon won a foul in the box and Harry Kane stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, restoring a two-goal cushion.

MEXICO answered again via VAR. A subsequent review awarded the hosts a spot kick and Raúl Jiménez made no mistake, burying the penalty to make it 3-2 and set up a tense closing period. What followed was sustained Mexican pressure, waves of attacks and long spells inside England's half as the crowd tried to will their side back into the match.

England defended doggedly. An extended period of stoppage time added to the tension but the visitors repelled the final onslaught and held on to progress to the quarter-finals.

The match was played in a hostile, high-altitude setting that amplified the noise and intensity on the pitch. Commentators and team staff repeatedly pointed to the Azteca's atmosphere as a factor that fuelled Mexico's early push and the pressure that followed Quansah's dismissal.

After the game Jude Bellingham described the night simply, telling ITV, "Best occasion in an England shirt." Reports after the match noted that Quansah is set to miss England's quarter-final because of the red card.

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England will meet Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, a tie that pits them against the side that eliminated Brazil and offers a place in the semi-finals. Originally reported by espn.com.au.

This article was created with AI assistance.