Bellingham's double sends England past Mexico and into World Cup quarter-finals

Jude Bellingham scored twice to inspire England to a 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Monday, booking a World Cup 2026 quarter-final meeting with Norway.

The Real Madrid midfielder was the decisive figure on a dramatic night in Mexico City, with Harry Kane also on the scoresheet after Anthony Gordon won a penalty. England will face Norway on Saturday at 10pm UK time.

Bellingham was effusive after the final whistle, declaring it the standout result of his international career. “I’ve never been more proud of a group of lads, a squad, a nation,” he said. “It was a country’s performance. It felt like everything I’ve seen this week is the country behind us.”

“All we’ve talked about this week is how difficult it’s going to be in an unbelievable atmosphere against a very good team. To get this win is the best night of my England career so far, for sure.”

The 23-year-old, who has been an England supporter since watching the 2010 World Cup as a child, reflected on what the result meant beyond the football. “To be part of an England team that gives so much to the country that can give them these moments and nights like this, it means as much as anything in my career and in my life, really.”

Gordon, 25, returned to the starting eleven after being left on the bench for the previous match against DR Congo and played every minute at the Azteca. His involvement in the penalty that Kane converted proved crucial, though the former Newcastle winger also attracted attention for a different reason before kick-off.

Eagle-eyed fans watching the pre-match national anthem on television noticed that Gordon appeared to be singing “God Save the Queen” rather than the current “God Save the King.” The anthem was updated following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, to reflect the accession of King Charles. Supporters on social media were quick to point out the slip, though several were sympathetic — one commenter noting that after more than 70 years of the Queen’s reign, the old words still come naturally to many.