Jude Bellingham called England’s 3-2 World Cup last-16 win over Mexico the best night of his international career after Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the quarter-finals on Sunday and set up a meeting with Norway in Miami on July 11.
England played much of the second half with 10 men after Jarell Quansah’s red card at the Azteca Stadium but held off heavy pressure from the co-hosts to keep their tournament run alive.
Bellingham scored twice and collected the Player of the Match award after driving England through one of their toughest matches of the tournament.
“It’s probably one of the biggest England wins in a while, probably the biggest one I can remember as a fan or player. The best night of my England career, our England career, probably. Just unbelievable. I can’t put it into words right now.”
The midfielder also praised Mexico after a match that swung repeatedly in momentum.
“It’s tough to gather everything together, the goals, the penalty against, the penalty for, the red card. It was a chaotic game but credit to Mexico, they were a different class. We never underestimated them for one minute and they were exactly as good as we thought they would be. But this team showed character tonight, and I’m proud.”
Mexico controlled possession early before England struck twice in quick succession. Bellingham headed in Bukayo Saka’s cross before finishing again after Harry Kane created the second chance.
Julian Quinones pulled Mexico back into the contest before Jordan Pickford stopped Raul Jimenez from levelling before the break.
England then lost Quansah to a straight red card after a VAR review. Kane restored the two-goal lead from the penalty spot before Jimenez cut the gap again and forced England through a tense finish.
FIFA also recorded another milestone for Bellingham. At 23 years and six days, he became the youngest player to reach 10 FIFA World Cup appearances, moving past Mario Kempes’ previous mark.
