England survive Quansah red card to beat Mexico at the Azteca

England defeated Mexico in a World Cup knockout match at the Estadio Azteca, holding on after Jarell Quansah’s 54th-minute red card. Jude Bellingham scored twice, Harry Kane converted a penalty, and England moved on to face Norway in the quarter-final in Miami on Saturday.

The match turned into a major test of control and endurance. Mexico had entered with four wins from four at the tournament, backed by a home crowd, while thunderstorms delayed kick-off by an hour and the altitude added another layer of difficulty for England.

Bellingham’s two goals gave England early command, but Julián Quiñones pulled one back before half-time. After Quansah was dismissed for a high challenge, Kane’s penalty restored a two-goal cushion, only for Raúl Jiménez to score from the spot and set up a tense finish.

Thomas Tuchel’s side ended the game in a deeper shape, using a back five and relying on clearances, structure and Jordan Pickford’s assurance to protect the lead. For editors, the key angle is whether this was a breakthrough performance under pressure or another warning sign about England’s ability to manage chaotic knockout matches.