A 3-2 win at the Estadio Azteca was full of controversy, as Jarell Quansah was sent off, both teams were awarded penalties and VAR had plenty of say.
A cagey opening half-hour was left firmly in the past when Jude Bellingham found the back of the net twice in two minutes to put England in the driver’s seat, leaving the fixture wide open.
Mexico pushed hard to get back into it and would do so a matter of minutes later as Julian Quinones finished emphatically into the roof of the net after England failed to clear their lines from a free-kick.
The frantic football continued into the second half. Jarell Quansah was given his marching orders with 35 minutes left to play for a poor challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
But Harry Kane got his customary goal from 12 yards shortly thereafter, converting what ultimately proved to be the winner after Anthony Gordon was tripped by Raul Rangel.
Raul Jimenez of Wolves then buried a penalty of his own to set up a nervous finish, but the Three Lions saw it out after a spell of nervy but gritty defending.
And now they can look ahead to the last eight, and a date with Norway.
When do England play Norway in World Cup quarter-final?
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.