10-man England survive Mexico scare to reach World Cup quarter-finals

England reached the World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in Mexico City, despite having Jarell Quansah sent off early in the second half. Jude Bellingham’s quick-fire first-half brace put Thomas Tuchel’s side in command, only for Mexico to pull one back before the break and set up a nervy finish.

Quansah’s straight red card after the interval left England exposed, but Harry Kane converted a penalty to restore a two-goal cushion. Mexico responded with a spot kick of their own, forcing England to hold on through a tense closing spell — which they ultimately did, booking a last-eight meeting with Norway on Saturday.

The match kicked off at 2am UK time after weather delays, yet thousands of fans followed the action live, with bars and pubs granted extended opening hours until 5am. Among those watching was Prince William, the FA’s patron, who posted a congratulatory message on social media at 4.15am. “Well done England! Bring on the quarter final!” the Prince of Wales wrote, shortly after the final whistle.

William’s enthusiasm for the national team is well established. He travelled to Istanbul in May to watch Aston Villa — the club he has supported since childhood — win the Europa League, and has acknowledged he could attend the World Cup himself should England reach the final.

Appearing on the New Heights podcast ahead of the tournament, William offered a measured but optimistic assessment of England’s chances. “I always felt like we had a really good chance,” he said. “But as each World Cup goes on and the results don’t quite go your way… a little bit of hope gets chipped away each time. I’m just taking it calmly and quietly. I am quietly confident, I think.”

England’s opponents in the quarter-finals, Norway, reached the last eight with a notable 2-1 victory over Brazil. The two sides meet on Saturday, with kick-off at 10pm UK time.