England held on with 10 players, eliminated Mexico 3-2, and advanced to the Quarter Finals.

England national football team secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals after defeating host nation Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 match held at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca) on Monday (6/7) WIB. Playing with 10 men from the 54th minute did not stop The Three Lions from clinching the victory, where they will next face Norway in the upcoming round.

Jude Bellingham emerged as England's star of the match, netting two quick goals in the 36th and 38th minute respectively. The Real Madrid midfielder opened the scoring with a header from Bukayo Saka's cross, before doubling the lead just two minutes later after receiving a pass from Harry Kane.

Mexico managed to narrow the deficit shortly before half time. Julián Quiñones converted a loose ball from a free kick situation in the 42nd minute, closing out the first half with the score 2-1 in England's favour.

From the start of the match, Mexico actually played aggressively with high pressing. Raul Jimenez had two clear chances in the 3rd and 15th minute, but both attempts were successfully thwarted by England's back line and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Meanwhile, England's best opportunity prior to Bellingham's goals came from Anthony Gordon in the 26th minute, which was safely saved by Raul Rangel.

Entering the second half, the match dynamic shifted drastically when Jarell Quansah was shown a red card in the 54th minute for a harsh challenge on Jesus Gallardo following a VAR review. Despite being down a man, England instead extended their lead to 3-1 via a Harry Kane penalty in the 60th minute, awarded after Gordon was fouled inside the penalty box.

Mexico revived their hopes in the 69th minute. The referee pointed to the penalty spot following a foul by Harry Kane on Brian Gutierrez, which Raul Jimenez successfully converted to bring the score to 3-2.

The host side continued to barrage England's defence until the final whistle. Edson Alvarez and Alvaro Fidalgo both had golden scoring opportunities, but Pickford put on an outstanding performance to preserve his team's lead.

Match statistics show Mexico's dominance throughout the game, recording 66% ball possession, 23 total shots, 12 corner kicks and 92% pass accuracy. On the other hand, England played with extreme efficiency: they only registered 6 total shots, with 5 on target that resulted in 3 goals.

When the final whistle was blown, the 3-2 scoreline remained to confirm England's victory. Thomas Tuchel's squad advances to the quarter-finals where they will meet Norway, who previously eliminated Brazil with a 2-1 scoreline.