Jude Bellingham etched his name into World Cup history on Saturday night, scoring twice as England defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium to reach the quarter-finals despite finishing the contest with 10 men.
The Real Madrid midfielder became the first player to score two goals in a World Cup match at the famous venue since Diego Maradona’s brace for Argentina against Belgium in the 1986 semi-final.
The Round of 16 clash kicked off an hour behind schedule after thunderstorms swept across Mexico City, but the delay did little to disrupt England’s rhythm.
Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, meeting Bukayo Saka’s cross with a composed finish. Ninety-eight seconds later, he doubled England’s advantage after Harry Kane slipped him through, leaving the home supporters in disbelief.
Mexico found a route back into the game before the break when Julián Quiñones reacted quickest after England failed to clear a free-kick, firing home in the 42nd minute.
England thought they had regained complete control early in the second half, only for the game to turn in the 54th minute. Jarell Quansah’s yellow card for a challenge on Jesús Gallardo was upgraded to a straight red after a VAR review, reducing Thomas Tuchel’s side to 10 men.
Rather than retreat, England struck again. Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel inside the area and Kane made no mistake from the penalty spot in the 60th minute.
Mexico refused to go away. Raúl Jiménez converted a penalty in the 69th minute after Kane was penalised for a foul inside the box, setting up a tense closing spell.
The hosts committed numbers forward during 11 minutes of added time, but Jordan Pickford produced a series of crucial saves while Dan Burn and England’s back line stood firm to protect the slender lead.
The victory sends England into the quarter-finals, where they will meet Norway, who earlier stunned five-time world champions Brazil.
It was also a landmark night for Bellingham, whose first-half double ended a 40-year wait for another player to score twice in a World Cup match at the Azteca, matching a feat last achieved by Maradona in 1986.
