England reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a fearless 3-2 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca in what was an instant classic.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in a first half in which Julian Quinones also netted as England led 2-1 at the interval.
They then had right-back Jarell Quansah sent off for following through on Jesus Gallardo, but almost immediately after were 3-1 up when Harry Kane scored a penalty after Anthony Gordon was felled.
Raul Jimenez reduced Mexico’s deficit again after Kane conceded a penalty of his own, but England defended resolutely to set up a quarter-final against Norway.
Dom Smith was at Estadio Azteca to rate the England players’ performances…
Jordan Pickford 8
Saved superbly from Jimenez twice from two first-half headers. Could do nothing to prevent the Mexico opener and was beaten by Jimenez’s penalty. Fearless from crosses, getting great distance on punches.
Jarell Quansah 6
Deputised well at right-back as he came back into the team after injury. Was shown a slightly controversial red card, though, despite winning the ball before following through. Left the pitch in tears.
Ezri Konsa 6
Defended well. Slightly unfortunate that his clearance off the line in the first half fell the way of Quinones to batter home.
Marc Guehi 7
Made a number of crucial blocks in both the first half and the second.
Nico O’Reilly 6
Some nice threaded passes and one volley which nearly deflected in off Bellingham. Ended up on a booking and being substituted.
Elliot Anderson 7
Nibbled at Mexican legs in midfield, and his overturn of possession was the trigger for England to counter and Bellingham to score his second goal.
Declan Rice 7
His lung-busting run up the pitch was crucial in England’s opening goal. Worked his socks off.
Bukayo Saka 7
Had to be the fall guy after Quansah was sent off a did look disappointed to be subbed. But had got England going with a fantastic assist for Bellingham’s opener.
Jude Bellingham 9
The man for the big occasion, truly. Scored twice in as many minutes to put England 2-0 up in the first half and made a goal-saving tackle just before half-time. Stellar.
Anthony Gordon 8
One of England’s most important players on the night. Had their first shot, involved in the second goal, and won the penalty for the third. A huge defensive shift, too.
Harry Kane 8
Assisted the second goal and scored a nerveless penalty to make it 3-1. Then took up a position in his own box, heading countless balls clear.
Subs
John Stones (Stones, 57’) 6
Defended very well when he came on, making important blocks as Mexico piled on the pressure.
Djed Spence (O’Reilly, 75’) 6
Some important tackles in the box helped England see out the victory.
Dan Burn (Anderson, 75’) 7
Made a few vital blocks when brought on.
Morgan Rogers (Kane, 89’) N/A
Took up good positions but England barely had the ball in the one minute plus stoppage time that he was on for.
Not used: D Henderson, Trafford, Chalobah, James, J Henderson, Mainoo, Eze, Rashford, Watkins, Madueke, Toney
