England player ratings: How Thomas Tuchel’s side rated against Mexico
Jordan Pickford: Great save from Raul Jimenez’s early header. A key moment as England fell behind early at the atmospheric Azteca. At half-time, he was called upon to make an acrobatic save to deny Jimenez again as Mexico pressed for a 2-1 level. 7
Jarell Quansah: An unfortunate end for Quansah, who was sent off for a tough challenge following a video assistant review (VAR). The right-back put in a good performance before the night ended early. 5
Ezri Konsa: A test evening for Konsa and the entire England backline, with all the drama in the game. Konsa’s clearance from a free-kick gave Mexico a way back into the match, leaving it up to Julian Quinones to score – but the Aston Villa defender made crucial clearances as England took victory. 7
Marc Guehi: England took the ball from tight spaces and under pressure as they tried to break Mexico’s momentum in the first half. Guehi opposed the test as Mexico threw everything at England. 7
Nico O’Reilly: This was the left-back’s best performance of the World Cup. He delivered a dangerous cross from the top of the penalty area and volleyed it onto the post. He was sent off after receiving a yellow card and England went back to five. 7
Declan Rice: Rice’s powerful running was an important weapon for England and his move from his own half to the edge of the Mexican penalty area allowed England to take the lead. He showed incredible discipline by receiving a yellow card a minute later. 7
Elliot Anderson: A quieter game from Anderson but it didn’t take away from the importance of what he did for England. The midfielder was substituted as Thomas Tuchel changed England’s shape in an attempt to preserve the lead. 6
Bukayo Saka: As England defended deep into the first half, Saka was coming on as a right wing-back to close the space around Quinones. There’s a long way to go, but still his usual menace moves forward. His ability to tackle his man before delivering a quality cross was the reason England took the lead. 7
Jude Bellingham: Another match-winning performance for England. The Real Madrid midfielder continues to provide moments that show that anything is possible for the Three Lions. His two goals in two minutes of the first half put his team in a strong position in another iconic performance. 9
Anthony Gordon: He provided an outlet behind the Mexican defense and was direct at every opportunity. The winger’s energy and pace posed a threat to England and his relentless work ethic earned them a vital penalty. 8
Harry Kane: Although dramatic, it’s an extremely important performance from Kane. The England captain took the penalty when the score was down to 10 and under great pressure. He assisted Bellingham’s second goal but also gave away the penalty. 8
