England have advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals with a statement win over Mexico in Mexico City, ending decades of history working against visiting European sides at altitude and doing it in style.
Jude Bellingham was the difference, scoring twice in the space of two minutes — in the 36th and 38th — to put England firmly in control. Mexico responded through Quinones in the 42nd minute, but the hosts could find no way back, and England held on to seal their place in the last eight.
The victory is historic in its own right: England had never previously won a competitive fixture in Mexico City, where altitude and a fiercely partisan crowd have undone visiting teams for generations. Breaking that curse in a World Cup knockout match gives this result added weight beyond the scoreline.
Bellingham’s partnership with captain Harry Kane continues to be the engine of England’s run — the pair combining repeatedly to stretch Mexico’s back line before Bellingham’s decisive double. Unsurprisingly, Bellingham was named Player of the Match, the latest in a run of standout tournament performances that has made him the team’s talisman.
England now turn their attention to the quarter-final draw, having silenced one of the more intimidating atmospheres in world football along the way.