10-man England survive Azteca siege as Bellingham brace seals World Cup quarter-final

Jude Bellingham’s rapid first-half double proved the difference as England beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, surviving a second-half onslaught after Jarell Quansah was reduced to 10 men following a VAR-reviewed red card.

Bellingham ghosted into the penalty area to head home a Bukayo Saka cross at the far post, then struck again barely 60 seconds later — applying the finishing touch to a Harry Kane low ball that trickled across the six-yard box — to silence a hostile home crowd and put England two goals clear.

Mexico responded almost immediately through Julian Quinones, who lashed home after the ball fell into his path from a free-kick, and England were forced to weather a sustained spell of pressure before the interval.

The second half brought fresh drama when Quansah was dismissed following a VAR review for a high tackle, handing Mexico a numerical advantage and further inflaming the atmosphere inside the stadium. Kane converted a penalty to restore England’s two-goal cushion, but Raul Jimenez pulled one back from 12 yards to set up a tense finale.

Mexico laid siege to Jordan Pickford’s goal in the closing stages, backed by their vociferous supporters, but England stood firm through 11 minutes of additional time to secure what Thomas Tuchel described as one of the most memorable victories of his tenure.

Pickford had been alert throughout, producing a key early save to deny Jimenez a bullet header at his near post, while Anthony Gordon was a constant threat down the flank, forcing a save from Raul Rangel after cutting back onto his right foot.

England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals, with Tuchel’s side having once again demonstrated a capacity to grind out results even when circumstances turn against them.