Bellingham leads 10-man England past Mexico to reach World Cup quarter-finals.

MEXICO CITY, July 6 — Jude Bellingham’s brace inspired 10-man England to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, sending the Three Lions into the World Cup quarter-finals.

Harry Kane also scored from the penalty spot as England overcame Jarell Quansah’s red card, high altitude conditions and intense home support to stay on track for their first major tournament title in 60 years.

England, heavily reliant on Bellingham and Kane throughout the tournament, now set up a last-eight clash with Norway, led by Erling Haaland.

Bellingham struck twice within 98 seconds in the first half to put England in control, marking Mexico’s first goals conceded in five World Cup matches.

Julian Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez pulled goals back for the hosts, but Mexico ultimately fell short of reaching the quarter-finals.

The win also helped England erase painful memories of their 1986 quarter-final defeat at the same venue, when Argentina’s Diego Maradona scored twice, including the infamous “Hand of God” goal.

The match was delayed for an hour due to thunderstorms and heavy rain in Mexico City, but more than 80,000 fans still packed the stadium to create a hostile atmosphere.

England coach Thomas Tuchel made several changes, with Quansah filling in at right-back amid injury concerns, while Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon also featured prominently.

Mexico nearly struck first, but Jordan Pickford produced a key save to deny Jiménez early on.

England took the lead when Saka’s cross found Bellingham, who headed home, before doubling the advantage moments later after finishing a pass from Kane.

Mexico responded through Quiñones before half-time and came close to equalising, but England held firm.

Quansah was sent off after a VAR review for a late challenge early in the second half, but Kane extended England’s lead from the spot after Gordon was fouled.

Jiménez later converted a penalty after Kane conceded one at the other end, setting up a tense finale.

Despite sustained pressure and 11 minutes of added time, England held on to secure a third consecutive World Cup quarter-final appearance.-AFP