Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were pivotal in England’s thrilling 3-2 victory against Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Sunday night. This win propelled England into the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
Bellingham stunned the crowd of over 80,000, scoring two goals in just 98 seconds. His first goal came in the 36th minute with a header, quickly followed by another in the 38th minute, assisted by Harry Kane. Prior to this match, Mexico remained unbeaten in 10 World Cup games at this venue, including three during this tournament.
Despite falling behind, El Tri’s Julián Quiñones reduced the deficit in the 42nd minute. The game shifted further in Mexico’s favor when England’s Jarell Quansah saw red in the 54th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jesús Gallardo.
England regained control following a penalty awarded due to a foul by Mexico’s goalkeeper Raúl Rangel. Kane capitalized on this, scoring his sixth goal of the tournament and 14th in World Cup play, tying him with Gerd Müller of West Germany for fifth place on the all-time list. Kane’s goal places him one behind Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.
In an unusual twist, Kane conceded a penalty, becoming the first player since 1966 to both score and give away a penalty in a World Cup match. Raúl Jiménez converted to bring Mexico closer at 3-2 with his spot-kick.
Mexico mounted continuous attacks during the last 21 minutes and additional 11 minutes of stoppage time. Nonetheless, England’s defense and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford successfully thwarted Mexican attempts.
Mexico has not reached the quarterfinals since they hosted the tournament in 1986, having been eliminated in the round of 16 eight times since, not advancing past the group stage in 2022, and being disqualified in 1990.