England edged past Mexico 3-2 in a frantic World Cup Round of 16 encounter on Sunday, July 5, with the match played in Mexico City at Estadio Azteca—effectively giving El Tri a near-home atmosphere despite the result going the way of the visitors.
Key takeaways
- England secured a 3-2 win over Mexico in the Round of 16 on July 5.
- Jude Bellingham struck twice within a two-minute window in the first half.
- Julián Quiñones scored for Mexico and brought his tournament tally to a level that matched Chicharito and Luis “El Matador” Hernandez on World Cup goals.
- The match featured penalties for both sides and a heated moment in the middle of play.
- Jarell Quansah was sent off in the second half, forcing England to finish with 10 men.
- England will play Norway next in Miami, with a spot in the semi-finals at stake.
Late drama at Estadio Azteca
England’s opening burst set the tone early as Jude Bellingham scored two goals in quick succession during the first half, leaving the Three Lions in front almost immediately after the contest began. Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones, the tournament’s leading scorer for El Tri, who pulled a goal back to put the hosts level on the scoresheet.
Quiñones’ strike also carried historical weight: it brought him level with Chicharito and Luis “El Matador” Hernandez on four World Cup goals, matching a mark previously achieved by the pair. From there, the game swung again as both teams converted penalty kicks, and a clash erupted midway through the match, adding to the already tense atmosphere.
Quansah sent off as England held on
England then faced a major setback in the second half when Jarell Quansah received a red card. With the Three Lions reduced to 10 players, England’s control looked under threat, but Harry Kane stepped up when the opportunity came from the penalty spot, restoring England’s advantage with a goal that put them back up by two.
Just moments later, the momentum shifted again when England conceded a penalty of their own. Raúl Jiménez converted to give Mexico hope, but despite that reply, Mexico were unable to find another goal as England managed the remainder of the game to take the 3-2 win.
What’s next
England’s next match is against Norway in Miami, with a place in the final four available to the winner. Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s national team remains as the last co-host still in the tournament after Canada was eliminated by Morocco on Saturday.
