England 3-2 Mexico PLAYER RATINGS: Who put in his ‘best performance for England’? Who was ‘outstanding’ in defence? And whose ‘sensational’ interventions saved the game?
England achieved one of their biggest ever victories by demolishing Mexico’s goal to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals.
After an hour’s delay in Mexico City, Thomas Tuchel’s side weathered a severe storm of their own and then struck the co-hosts with a double strike, Jude Bellingham firing home twice in 99 seconds.
Julian Quinones halved the lead on the stroke of half-time and then England were hit with another body blow as Jarell Quansah was given a straight red card for a dangerous tackle.
But England’s 10 men stood up and Anthony Gordon raced out before being brought down in the penalty area by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel and Harry Kane scored his 14th World Cup goal from the spot. However, the drama was not over yet and Raul Jimenez turned the match into a one-goal game again with a penalty following Kane’s foul.
A heroic defensive effort was needed and England delivered, holding on for 11 minutes of stoppage time to advance to a last-eight game against Norway in Miami on Saturday night.
Daily Mail SportsChief Football Correspondent CRAIG HOPE He was at the Estadio Azteca to give his verdict on the England players and you can make up your mind too with our new rating tool.
England’s players are jubilant throughout the match as they celebrate with traveling fans at the Estadio Azteca.
All eyes are on Norway in Miami on Saturday night after becoming the first team to beat Mexico at the Azteca in the World Cup.
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford – 9/10
Two sensational saves in the first half to announce his arrival at the World Cup, both from Jimenez’s headers. The first was Gordon Banks style, the second was classic Pickford flying into the top corner. This Tournament was Pickford. Engin.
Jarell Quansah-4
Red card nightmare. He was a bit unlucky as his foot bounced off the ball but it went out of control. He had been very successful up to that point and participated in the attacks with energy and enthusiasm.
Ezri Konsa – 7
He needed to do better in Mexico’s opener but he bounced back when he made several big blocks, especially when going to the right back. He knocked on the door late but continued heroically.
Marc Guehi – 8
Key to giving England a solid foothold at the start of the game. A perfectly timed intervention to prevent Mexico from escaping. He won some clever free kicks, showed maturity and led the last stand. His best ever performance for England.
Nico O’Reilly – 7
We had very good moments in attack. A bad cross that deserves the ball and a shot that breaks the post. He was sent off with a yellow card, but this was his best match of the tournament. He grows into the role.
Pickford made two sensational saves from Raul Jimenez’s header in the first half to announce his arrival at this World Cup.
Elliot Anderson-7
Defending was what he did best, and he made good tackles when Mexico charged forward. He also won the ball at the start of England’s second move. He got tired in the second half and was replaced, but he also played his part.
Declan Rice – 8
He ran and ran and never stopped until he carried the injury. It was important that he carried the ball up for the first goal. He stayed until the end and kept the midfield with 10 people. He maintained his discipline after the yellow card in the first minute. Perfect.
Bukayo Saka-7
He still doesn’t look 100 per cent, but he’s on the field for some classy moments and he did so with a precise cross from Bellingham’s opening kick. A sacrifice was made after Quansah’s red and it was the right decision by Tuchel, but this did not reflect on Saka.
Jude Bellingham-9
Alti-Jude! His two goals were all about desire, wanting more from the Mexican defenders, but also top-notch timing. That’s what Bellingham is: first class. He was England’s man on this big occasion and his huge goalmouth clearance at the other end proves it. Man of the match.
Jude Bellingham’s two goals were all about desire, wanting more from the Mexican defenders, but also top-notch timing.
Anthony Gordon-8
He won the penalty by attacking the defender’s shoulder and posed a threat throughout the match. He then moved back to midfield with 10 men and was a warrior. Like many, the most remarkable night of his England career.
Harry Kane (captain) – 8
There were seven touches in a quiet first half, but one of them was Bellingham’s cross in the second half. He then had the courage to convert the penalty and conceded it unhappily at the other end. His biggest play? No. But one goal and one assist. This is Kane.
Harry Kane’s best game? No. But a goal and an assist for the England captain (right)
RESERVES
John Stones (For Bukayo Saka, 57 minutes) – 8
He is outstanding in the middle of defence. He showed class and was always in the right place at the right time.
DJ Spence (on behalf of Elliot Anderson, 75 minutes) – 7
Athletics is very important in seeing victory. He should start the next game while Quansah is suspended.
Dan Yanık (for Nico O’Reilly, 75 minutes) – 8
He hit it in the head, he kicked it, he blocked it – and that’s what he did. He played a huge role.
Morgan Rogers (for Harry Kane, 90 minutes) – 6
He came in at the death to chase loose balls.
Dan Burn was told to headbutt, kick, block, and that’s what he did. played a big role
MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel – 9
He got his early setup right by reaching the first drinks break level and this allowed his best players to shine. There was a very good response to the changes made to the turning points of an incredible game.
Thomas Tuchel reacted well to changes made at turning points of an incredible game
Mexico (4-3-3)
Rangel 5; Sanchez 6 (Fidalgo 79 minutes), Montes 5 (Alvarez 46, 5), Vasquez 5, Gallardo 6; Mora 6 (Gimenez 61, 5), Lira 7, Romo 6 (Gutierrez 61, 5); Alvarado 6, Jimenez 7, Quinones 7 (Martinez 81). Reservation: Sanchez, Vasquez. Goalscorers: Quinones 42, Jimenez 69 (pen).
Coach: Javier Aguirre – 5
Judge
Alireza Faghani (Australia) – 4
He was on edge throughout the whole game – he booked Rice after 58 seconds – and after a VAR review the decision to award Kane a penalty felt wrong. Quansah’s red card was the right call, but I’m not sure the Australian can make it beyond this tour.
