England edge hosts Mexico 3-2 to reach World Cup quarterfinals despite red card

Jude Bellingham scored twice before halftime and Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty as England held off sustained pressure from Mexico, who narrowed the deficit with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez.

The match remained goalless until the 36th minute, when Bukayo Saka delivered a cross from the right and Bellingham headed home after Kane drew defenders away.

Two minutes later, Kane turned provider, slipping a pass into the box for Bellingham to score his second and fourth goal of the tournament, giving England a 2-0 lead.

Mexico responded before the break when Quansah’s clearance fell to Quinones, who fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net to cut the deficit to 2-1.

England restored their two-goal cushion in the 60th minute after Kane calmly converted a penalty awarded when Anthony Gordon was fouled by goalkeeper Raul Rangel.

The game swung again four minutes later when Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a high challenge, reducing England to 10 men.

Mexico capitalized on their numerical advantage in the 69th minute as Jimenez converted a penalty after VAR ruled Kane had fouled Brian Gutierrez inside the area, making it 3-2.

Thomas Tuchel responded by reinforcing his defense, introducing additional defenders as England retreated to protect their lead.

Mexico pressed relentlessly in the closing stages, relying on crosses into the penalty area, but England’s defense stood firm. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who had produced a crucial save to deny Jimenez in the first half, helped preserve the lead as the visitors survived 11 minutes of stoppage time.

Mexico’s hopes faded further when Jimenez appeared to suffer an ankle injury late in added time, leaving the hosts effectively down to 10 players after using all their substitutions.

England will now face Norway in the quarterfinals after the debutants defeated Brazil earlier on Sunday.