England secured a 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in a pulsating Round of 16 clash, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice in the space of 98 seconds and Harry Kane adding a second-half penalty to book their place in the World Cup quarterfinals.
The match, delayed by an hour due to adverse weather, lived up to its billing from the start. Mexico controlled possession early on, but England struck decisively through Bellingham, who headed home from Bukayo Saka's pinpoint cross. Mexico lost possession immediately from the restart, and Kane picked out Bellingham to slot calmly for his second goal, putting England 2-0 ahead within two minutes.
Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones, whose powerful close-range finish reduced the deficit. The co-hosts continued to press and were denied an equaliser only by an outstanding save from Jordan Pickford to keep out Raúl Jiménez's effort before half-time.
England nearly restored their two-goal cushion after the break when Nico O'Reilly hit the post, but the game took another dramatic turn when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Jesús Gallardo, leaving England with 10 men for more than 40 minutes.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, England extended their lead when Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel brought down Anthony Gordon inside the penalty area. Kane confidently converted the spot-kick for his sixth goal of the tournament. Mexico were then awarded a penalty following a VAR review for Kane's foul on Brian Gutiérrez, and Jiménez converted to make it 3-2, setting up a tense finale.
Mexico pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but England defended resolutely to seal the win and advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face Norway in Miami on July 11.
The victory marks England's third consecutive World Cup quarterfinal appearance, matching their run between 1962 and 1970. It also ended Mexico's unbeaten record at the Mexico City Stadium, while England were playing at the venue for the first time in 40 years.
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