England 10-man beat Mexico 3-2 to reach World Cup quarters

A ten-man England produced a heroic defensive display to defeat Mexico 3-2 in a pulsating World Cup round of 16 match at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, advancing to the quarterfinals. Jude Bellingham scored twice in a 98-second first-half blitz and captain Harry Kane added a penalty as England overcame a red card, high altitude, and a ferocious home crowd to secure a historic victory.

The match, delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms, saw England withstand early pressure before Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a powerful header from Bukayo Saka’s cross. The Real Madrid midfielder doubled the lead almost instantly, finishing from a Kane assist. Mexico responded quickly, with Julian Quiñones volleying home before halftime to make it 2-1.

England’s task grew harder when defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card after a VAR review in the 54th minute for a mistimed challenge. Despite being a man down, England extended their lead six minutes later when Anthony Gordon was fouled by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel and Kane converted the resulting penalty.

Mexico refused to surrender, earning a penalty of their own after Kane fouled Brian Gutiérrez in the box,...