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England Beats Mexico 3-2, Bellingham Brace Leads Victory

7/8/2026

Summary

England Wins

England defeated Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup round-of-16 at Estadio Azteca, becoming the first England side to win at the venue.
Jude Bellingham scored two quick goals and Harry Kane added a penalty and a second-half strike, his sixth of the tournament.
Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute after a video-review.
England will face Norway, led by Erling Haaland, in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday.

Summary

England Midfield Gridlock

Analysts say England’s system suffers from zone congestion because Kane and Bellingham occupy the same central space, blocking passing lanes.
The congestion forces wingers Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon into isolated positions where they deliver low-probability crosses.
Declan Rice’s early yellow card against Mexico increased his defensive duties and disrupted England’s midfield shape.
Tuchel switched to a low block after Quansah’s red, further limiting central transition chances against Norway.

Summary

Bellingham Inspires England

Bellingham made a clearance that stopped César Montes from scoring a late equaliser before half-time.
He then gave a pep talk to teammate Djed Spence after England’s win over Mexico.
Jordan Henderson described Bellingham as a “great kid,” noting his off-field influence.
Thomas Tuchel explained that Bellingham will operate as a No 10 to harness his soloist talent within England’s system.

History

Historical Context

In 1970, defending champions England lost 1-0 to Brazil at Mexico’s high-altitude Estadio Azteca. Fifty-four years later, under manager Thomas Tuchel, England reversed that disappointment by defeating Mexico 2-1 in the 2024 round-of-16, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice and Harry Kane adding his sixth tournament goal, the win marking England's first knockout success at the Azteca since 1970.

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England Wins

England defeated Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup round-of-16 at Estadio Azteca, becoming the first England side to win at the venue.
Jude Bellingham scored two quick goals and Harry Kane added a penalty and a second-half strike, his sixth of the tournament.
Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute after a video-review.
England will face Norway, led by Erling Haaland, in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday.

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