It was pandemonium in the Azteca Stadium last night as England edged past co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a match for the ages. The tension was palpable as the Three Lions took to the pitch, battling through a stormy start that saw kick-off delayed by 'severe weather'. But once the action began, it was England who came out firing on all cylinders, with Jude Bellingham's double strike within 98 seconds sending shockwaves through the stadium.
The raucous atmosphere only fuelled England's determination to make their mark. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice provided the perfect assist for Bellingham's opener, and he didn't disappoint, hammering home a header that left Mexico reeling. The Real Madrid midfielder then showed his class once more, slotting in from close range to double England's lead.
But Mexico refused to back down, with Julian Quinonez reducing the deficit before the break after some sloppy defending from England. As the teams went into the interval, it was clear this would be a match for the ages – and boy, did it deliver! The second half brought its own set of challenges when Jarell Quansah received his marching orders following a reckless tackle, leaving England down to ten men.
Yet, undeterred, Thomas Tuchel's side continued to press on, earning a penalty through Anthony Gordon after he was hacked down by Raul Rangel. Harry Kane stepped up and slotted home with ease, restoring England's two-goal advantage at 3-1. But Mexico weren't done yet – a VAR check gave them another lifeline in the form of a Jimenez penalty that reduced the deficit to one.
In a heart-stopping finale, Mexico threw everything at England, including an extra 11 minutes of stoppage time. But the Three Lions held firm, their ten men refusing to buckle under the pressure. As the final whistle blew, captain Harry Kane hailed it as 'crazy game' that required every ounce of grit and determination from his team.
In a moment of concern after the match, Jordan Henderson was stretchered off with oxygen after reportedly falling over an advertising hoarding – although Kane suggested it might have been something to do with his arm. Whatever the case, England celebrated their famous win with their travelling fans, savouring every moment of this special victory.
Former England striker Alan Shearer described the night as 'incredible', praising the players' attitude and the manager's tactical substitutions. As for the team themselves? They're onto the quarter-finals, where they'll be looking to carry this momentum into their next match.
The celebrations were tinged with concern over Henderson's injury, but one thing was clear – England had written another page in their World Cup history book last night.