England stood strong against Mexico’s relentless pressure to secure a place in the next round despite being reduced to 10 men after Quansah was sent off for a reckless foul.
Match Report:
Jude Bellingham netted twice while Harry Kane also found the scoresheet as 10-man England battled to an impressive 3-2 victory over Mexico, sealing their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Following a one-hour delay to kick-off because of thunderstorms above the Azteca, England seized control through Bellingham’s first-half double, although Julian Quinones ensured Mexico remained in contention.
Quansah’s straight red card left England a man short, but Kane’s successful penalty restored their two-goal advantage. Raul Jimenez later converted from the spot to set up a tense finish, yet England stayed composed to earn a quarter-final clash with Norway.
Mexico made the brighter start and nearly went ahead in the 15th minute when Jimenez met Roberto Alvarado’s cross with a diving header, only for Jordan Pickford to produce a superb save and push the effort wide.
England responded through a swift counter-attack led by Bukayo Saka down the right, with his inviting delivery finding Bellingham at the back post for the opening goal in the 36th minute.
Just 98 seconds later, England struck again. Winning possession in midfield, Bellingham combined neatly with Kane in a one-two before finishing from close range to double the lead.
However, Mexico hit back four minutes later after England failed to deal with Alvarado’s free-kick, allowing Quinones to fire an instinctive volley into the roof of the net.
Mexico finished the opening half strongly. Jimenez dragged a half-volley wide before forcing another excellent stop from Pickford with a glancing header, while Bellingham produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Cesar Montes.
England began the second half positively, with Nico O’Reilly’s low effort taking a deflection off Bellingham before striking the base of the right post.
The momentum shifted in the 54th minute when Quansah was dismissed. Attempting to win the ball, he slid in but caught Jesus Gallardo on the shin after going over it, and VAR confirmed the straight red card.
Despite the setback, England restored their two-goal cushion just after the hour mark. Anthony Gordon earned a penalty after getting to Kane’s flick-on ahead of Raul Rangel, and Kane calmly converted from 12 yards.
Mexico were then awarded a penalty at the opposite end after Brian Gutierrez reached a loose ball before Kane. Following another VAR review, Jimenez made no mistake from the spot in the 69th minute, sending Pickford the wrong way.
Mexico piled forward in search of an equaliser that would have forced extra time, but although Jimenez lifted one chance over the bar, England defended resolutely, throwing bodies on the line to preserve their advantage and book their place in the last eight.