Bellingham's brace fires England past Mexico and into World Cup quarter-finals

Jude Bellingham struck twice in the opening half to send England into the World Cup quarter-finals with a 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Monday, describing it as the best night of his international career.

The 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder has been one of the tournament’s standout performers, and his brace — delivered in a hostile atmosphere and after an hour-long storm delay — extended his tally to five goals at this World Cup. Only Harry Kane (six), Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi (seven) have scored more in the competition.

“No, I’ve never been prouder — never been prouder of a group of lads, a squad or a nation,” Bellingham said after the final whistle. “It was a country’s performance. Everything I’ve seen this week is that the country is behind us. All we’ve talked about this week is how difficult it was going to be in an unbelievable atmosphere against a very, very good team, so to get this win, it’s the best night of my England career for sure.”

With fans back home keeping themselves awake through the storm-enforced delay, Bellingham was quick to acknowledge their support — and to give them permission to enjoy the aftermath. “Text your bosses and tell them you’re not going in,” he said. “Kids stay off school, parents don’t go to work and enjoy the day. Go down the pub with your friends again because these nights don’t come around often.”

The midfielder, who has been an England supporter since the 2010 World Cup, drew a pointed contrast with previous tournament campaigns. “In recent times we’ve had better moments, but I remember watching a few tournaments and some of the players that are now on TV talking about it — they struggled in these kinds of nights because we never really got behind them,” he said. “To be part of an England team that gives so much to the country on nights like this means as much as anything in my career and in my life.”

Despite his own starring role under Thomas Tuchel, Bellingham was keen to spread the credit across the squad. “I’m aware of the responsibility and pressure that I carry with the other players,” he said. “But make no mistake, we’ve got 26 lads there who could do exactly what I just did tonight. I’m convinced of this, and I hope a night like this can give them the conviction.”

England now advance to the quarter-finals, where Tuchel’s side will look to build on the momentum of one of their most dramatic World Cup victories in years.