Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds, in the 36th and 38th minutes, as England beat co-host Mexico 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday to reach the World Cup quarter-finals1. Harry Kane added a penalty on the hour, and England held on after Jarell Quansah was sent off on a straight red in the 54th minute, setting up a last-eight tie against Norway in Miami on 11 July.
Mexico had won all three group games, the only side in the tournament to manage it, and arrived at their spiritual home unbeaten. Jesus Quinones levelled on 42 minutes and Raul Jimenez converted a 69th-minute penalty, but the co-hosts could not find a third against ten men. England, 2-1 winners over DR Congo in the previous round, saw out the final half-hour a player short.
Bellingham's double, in front of 80,824, was the fastest brace seen at the Azteca since Diego Maradona defined the ground at the 1986 World Cup, 40 years on2. Thomas Tuchel, England's head coach, said his players had to dig in once reduced to ten, and Quansah's dismissal now rules the defender out of the Norway quarter-final. Mexico, meanwhile, became the second host nation eliminated inside two days, turning the night's attention from the scoreline to the city outside the stadium.
