England are celebrating one of their most memorable World Cup victories of all time. The Three Lions defied a weather delay, high altitude, Jarell Quansah’s early second-half red card and a febrile atmosphere to outlast co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a pulsating showdown at their Estadio Azteca fortress. Thomas Tuchel’s side produced a heroic defensive effort late on against a team who had won all of their games so far at this tournament without conceding a single goal, setting up a huge quarter-final tie next weekend in Miami against Erling Haaland and Norway, who stunned Brazil on Sunday thanks to their talisman.
England went 2-0 up against Mexico after Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds with half-time looming, though El Tri pulled one back before the break as Julian Quinones thumped home. The stage was set for a truly remarkable second period, in which Quansah was sent off after a VAR review on a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo to leave England up against it. However, they restored their two-goal advantage from the penalty spot through Harry Kane after Anthony Gordon proved too quick for goalkeeper Raul Rangel. Kane’s foul on Brian Gutierrez at the other end then led to Raul Jimenez dispatching from 12 yards, creating the nerviest of finishes.
But the likes of Jordan Pickford and substitute Dan Burn were inspired as England put their bodies on the line and held out for one of their most famous major tournament victories on foreign soil. Follow England vs Mexico reaction live below, including expert insight and analysis from Standard Sport’s England correspondent Dom Smith at the Estadio Azteca.
England vs Mexico latest news
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Could PM intervene on Quansah red?
The England defender faces missing the World Cup quarter-final clash with Norway on Saturday after being shown a straight red for a sliding tackle on Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo during the second half of the contest at the Estadio Azteca.
Bellingham issues message after star showing
Jude Bellingham has said that he wants to unite the country after his man of the match performance against Mexico.
"I think I can imagine [what the celebrations are like back home]. I imagine it’s carnage but in a happy way, positive, everyone,” he said.
"No matter where you’re from or what you do I can imagine everyone is together. And that’s the thing I dream of being a part of in this England squad, bringing my country together and giving them nights like this which hopefully they’ll enjoy for many years to come.
"I’m so proud of this team, honestly. What we’ve done tonight is spectacular."
England handed major injury boost
England’s right-back selection crisis may alleviate somewhat in the coming days after Reece James was spotted moving freely in the thick of their celebrations after beating Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
Jude Bellingham’s quickfire first-half brace and Harry Kane’s penalty were enough to see England through a nervy, dramatic last-16 tie, with the win setting up a quarter-final meeting with Norway in Miami on Saturday night.
Tuchel slams referee after controversial calls
Thomas Tuchel said the officiating in England’s defeat of Mexico was “just not good enough” after VAR awarded a controversial penalty against Harry Kane.
Kane scored a penalty himself early in the second half before conceding a spot kick just ten minutes later.
England route to final
England are another step closer to the World Cup final after thrilling and breathless victory over Mexico.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds to help the Three Lions on their way to a historic 3-2 victory over the co-hosts at the Estadio Azteca.
Now it is into the last eight and a date with Norway, who saw off Brazil 2-1 thanks to two Erling Haaland goals.
Haaland will now face off with Golden Boot rival Kane in Miami on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Tuchel ponders Quansah appeal
Thomas Tuchel has jokingly suggested that Harry Kane should ask Donald Trump to overturn Jarell Quansah’s red card.
The England manager’s suggestion comes hours after the US President praised FIFA for ruling that United States striker Folarin Balogun could play against Belgium despite being sent off in his previous game.
Kane 'turns into Mickey Mouse' in bizarre post-match interview
Harry Kane squeaked through his media duties after England’s win over Mexico, having lost his voice singing ‘Wonderwall’ with the travelling fans.
Kane scored his sixth goal of the World Cup, and second from the penalty spot, after the Three Lions saw off El Tri at the famous Azteca Stadium to reach the quarter-finals.
Trump showers Kane with praise
Donald Trump has showered praise on England captain Harry Kane after the Three Lions’ dramatic World Cup win over Mexico.
He posted on his Truth Social platform: “Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!”
Kane scored a penalty and then gave away one converted by Raul Jimenez as England, down to ten men, dug deep to seal a chaotic 3-2 win and set up a quarter-final against Norway.
When do England play Norway?
England now have five days off as they prepare to face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Three Lions will take on Norway at 10pm BST on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Miami.
The Miami Stadium, also known as the Hard Rock Stadium, will host the game.
Henderson injury update
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Jordan Henderson was taken to hospital with a “serious” wrist injury sustained in freak fashion following England’s 3-2 win over Mexico.
Standard Sport understands that Henderson is staying in Mexico City with a member of England’s medical staff and not travelling back with the rest of the squad to their World Cup base in Kansas City after the Three Lions dramatically secured their spot in the quarter-finals, where Norway await.