England survive Mexico scare as Bellingham and Kane send them into World Cup quarter-finals

England are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after a 3-2 last-16 win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Jude Bellingham scored twice, Harry Kane added a penalty, and England held on after Jarell Quansah’s red card.

The match shifted from apparent control to survival mode for England. Julian Quinones brought Mexico back into the contest, and Quansah’s dismissal for a challenge on Jesus Gallardo left England defending under heavy pressure in the closing stages.

Sky Sports’ ratings placed Bellingham at the centre of the performance, giving him a 10, while Kane, Jordan Pickford and Anthony Gordon were also highly rated. Pickford was credited with important saves, and Gordon was noted for winning the penalty that Kane converted.

The defensive finish may be just as important to the tournament narrative as the goals. England now move on to a quarter-final against Norway, but editors may want to verify the source’s coaching/substitution reference before using that detail in any published copy.