England advanced to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over tournament co-hosts Mexico in a dramatic Round of 16 fixture.
The result keeps the Three Lions among the final eight for a third consecutive World Cup and sets up a meeting with Norway.
Jude Bellingham inspired England with two goals in the opening half, turning the match around in little over a minute after Mexico had started brightly.
Harry Kane also made a decisive contribution by calmly converting a second-half penalty to maintain England’s advantage.
Mexico controlled possession during the early exchanges, but England struck with ruthless efficiency.
Bukayo Saka supplied an accurate delivery for Bellingham to head home before Kane immediately punished a loose pass and squared the ball for the midfielder to score his second goal of the evening.
Julián Quiñones reignited Mexico’s hopes moments later by firing an unstoppable strike beyond Jordan Pickford to reduce the deficit.
The referee sent off Jarell Quansah early in the second half, forcing England to play the remainder of the match with ten men.
Despite the setback, Anthony Gordon won a penalty after Raúl Rangel brought him down inside the box, and Harry Kane confidently converted the spot-kick.
Mexico narrowed the gap once more after VAR awarded a penalty for Kane’s challenge on Brian Gutiérrez. Jiménez kept his composure from 12 yards, creating a tense finish as the hosts launched wave after wave of attacks.
Despite relentless late pressure from Mexico, England defended resolutely to secure a memorable victory. Their reward is a quarter-final meeting with Norway, where they will aim to continue their quest for World Cup glory.
Also Read: Norway Makes World Cup History As Haaland’s Brace Ends Brazil’s Title Hopes
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