Harry Kane (Photo by Bryan Berlin)
Co-hosts Mexico squandered a golden opportunity to qualify for the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after failing to stop a ten-man English side.
England, despite being forced on the defence for much of the second half, defeated Mexico 3-2 battle at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday. The Three Lions prevailed despite losing Jarell Quansah, who picked up a red-card in the 54th-minute.
Backed by a feverish home crowd, co-hosts Mexico fought tirelessly in their bid to reach first quarter-final in 40 years, but England held on to keep their title dreams alive.
Mexico dominated possession in the game’s opening stages, but a quick-fire Jude Bellingham double swung the game in England’s favour.
First, he headed in from Bukayo Saka’s inviting cross to open the scoring. Almost straight from kick-off, Bellingham made it 2-0. Mexico turned over possession and Harry Kane set up the Real Madrid superstar to slot home.
Mexico City Stadium was shellshocked, but El Tri quickly responded, with Julian Quinones crashing an unstoppable shot past Jordan Pickford from close range.
The co-hosts’ tails were up and only a spectacular Pickford save prevented Raul Jimenez from levelling before half-time.
The action was unrelenting, and it continued after the interval. Nico O’Reilly struck the post with a low drive, before Quansah was sent off for a challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
Moments after England were reduced to ten men, Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel brought down Anthony Gordon in the penalty box. The spot-kick was awarded and Kane stepped up to rifle in his sixth goal of the tournament.
Kane would soon be involved in more penalty drama at the other end of the pitch. A foul by the England skipper on Brian Gutierrez resulted in a penalty been awarded to Mexico following a VAR review. Jimenez made no mistake from 12 yards and the co-hosts were back within striking distance at 3-2.
El Tri piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser which would have taken the game to extra-time. England held firm, though, and can look forward a last-eight clash with Norway in Miami on Saturday, 11 July.
