England are in the World Cup quarter-finals. They beat Mexico 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca on 5 July, winning at one of the most hostile venues in world football while playing the final stages with ten men.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half. Harry Kane added a penalty to make it 3-1. Jarell Quansah then received a red card, and Raul Jimenez pulled one back from the spot to set up a nervous finish. England held on.
The goals and the incident
Bellingham’s two first-half goals gave England control before Mexico had time to impose themselves on the occasion. The Azteca, a stadium with a capacity of more than 87,000 that has hosted two World Cup finals, tried to generate the atmosphere that makes it one of the most intimidating venues in sport. For 45 minutes, England were better than it.
Kane’s penalty in the second half stretched the lead to 3-1 and appeared to settle the tie. Quansah’s red card changed the calculation. Jimenez converted from the spot and England were suddenly managing a one-goal lead with ten men and a crowd pushing Mexico forward.
They managed it. 3-2 at the final whistle.
What comes next
England now face Norway in the quarter-final. The fixture is on 11 July at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in their own Round of 16 tie at MetLife Stadium, Erling Haaland scoring both goals. The match was arguably the result of the tournament so far.
England vs Norway in a World Cup quarter-final in Miami is not a fixture that needs much building up. Haaland scored twice against Brazil. Bellingham scored twice against Mexico. Two of the best players in the world, on the biggest stage available, with a semi-final place to play for.
The data picture
England’s 3-2 win at the Azteca tells a clear story. They were good enough in the first 70 minutes to build a lead that could absorb a numerical disadvantage. The ability to defend a result under pressure, which has historically been a weakness in England World Cup campaigns — held firm.
The concern going into the quarter-final is the red card suspension. Quansah is out for the Norway match. England’s defensive options will need to be reassessed.
Norway arrive in Miami having beaten the pre-tournament favourites. They are not a team to approach with complacency. The historical precedent for England at this stage of a World Cup is one of the better-known narratives in English sport. This squad now has a chance to rewrite it.
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