England secured a dramatic 3‑2 victory over Mexico at the iconic Azteca on 6 July 2026, booking a place in the World Cup quarter‑finals thanks to Jude Bellingham’s first‑half brace.

Who delivered the standout performances?

BBC Sport’s Alex Howell gave the Three Lions a full rating sheet, and Bellingham topped the chart with a 9 for his two goals in the opening 12 minutes. Harry Kane followed with an 8, converting a pressure‑filled penalty after England were reduced to ten men. Bukayo Saka, also rated 7, turned defence into attack, delivering the cross that set up the first goal. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford earned a 7 for a crucial early save from Raul Jiménez and a second acrobatic stop before half‑time.

What went wrong for England?

The night wasn’t flawless. Right‑back Jarell Quansah saw his rating dip to 5 after a VAR‑confirmed red card for a high challenge, leaving England to finish the match with ten men. Defender Ezri Konsa, also 7, struggled with a clearance that led to Mexico’s equaliser, highlighting the pressure on the backline. Midfielder Elliot Anderson’s quieter display earned a 6, and he was withdrawn when Thomas Tuchel reshaped the team to protect the lead.

How did the tactical switch affect the game?

Tuchel’s decision to drop to a back‑five after Quansah’s dismissal forced left‑back Nico O’Reilly into a more defensive role, where he still managed a 7 rating, flashing a dangerous cross and even a volley that rattled the post. The shift helped England absorb Mexico’s surge and maintain possession, allowing the likes of Declan Rice (7) to launch powerful runs that stretched the opposition.

What does this mean for England’s World Cup journey?

The win moves England onto a 2W‑0D‑2L recent form, with the latest triumph putting them on a two‑game winning streak. Their next challenge comes at home against Spain on 26 September 2026. With Harry Kane leading the scoring charts – 6 goals in 5 appearances this season – the Three Lions have firepower and experience. Their last result before Mexico was a 4‑2 win over Croatia on 17 June 2026, showing they can dominate when in form.

The performance at the Azteca also underlines the depth of England’s squad. Even with a man sent off, substitutes like John Stones, who entered in the 57th minute, helped steady the defence. The blend of youthful energy from Saka and Bellingham with veteran composure from Kane and Pickford suggests England can adapt to the varied challenges that await in the knockout stages.

Which players could shape the next round?

Bellingham’s explosive start makes him a prime threat; opponents will need to mark him tightly. Kane’s penalty‑taking composure under pressure offers a safety net, while Rice’s box‑to‑box runs could create further chances. If the back‑line can stay disciplined after Quansah’s exit, England’s defensive solidity will complement their attacking flair, giving them a balanced edge against Spain.