England edged past Mexico 3-2 in World Cup's Round of 16 on Sunday,knocking out co-hosts in what many call tournament's top match so far. Venue favored Mexico historically,but Three Lions moved on to quarterfinals this time .
England faced lineup issues,especially at right-back,with Reece James and Djed Spence both unfit. Jarrell Quansah stepped in. Meanwhile,Mexico kept 17-year-old Gilberto Mora in midfield after strong showings vs Czechia and Ecuador. Match started with Mexico holding ball,England sitting back,conserving energy at altitude.
First goal came out of nowhere in 36th minute. Declan Rice launched counterattack,found Bukayo Saka,who despite Achilles pain, set up Jude Bellingham for header. Two minutes later,Bellingham scored again off a turnover,putting England 2-0 up.
But Mexico hit back before halftime. In 42nd minute,free kick deflected to Julian Quinones,who scored,making it 2-1. Second half saw momentum change when Quansah got red-carded in 54th minute for high challenge,forcing England to defend more.
Even with one less player,England pushed lead to 3-1 in 60th minute . Long goal kick from Jordan Pickford found Harry Kane,who was fouled,earning penalty . Kane scored . Drama continued. Kane then gave away a penalty,letting Raul Jimenez score for Mexico,3-2.
Match wore on,England made defensive changes to hold lead,Mexico pressed for equalizer. Tense end,with 11 minutes added time,but England's defense stayed strong. Pickford's leadership and team effort kept them from conceding again .
This win is England's second close victory,after late comeback vs DR Congo in Round of 32. England had 1.55 expected goals from six shots,five on target . Mexico had 1.94 expected goals from 20 tries,five on target.
Next,England faces Norway and star Erling Haaland Saturday,July 11,in Miami. Haaland's two goals vs Brazil showed his threat,raising stakes for clash. Mexico exits again at Round of 16,stage they can't seem to break since '86 World Cup at home. With Mora shining,can they change by 2030…
