England’s defensive heroics earned them a crushing 3-2 win over Mexico to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Two goals from Jude Bellingham put the Three Lions in control. Julian Quinones pulled one back before Harry Kane’s penalty and Jarell Quansah’s red card gave the match a chaotic finish.
But the stoic defensive display displayed by every player in an England shirt to see the game out means they will now face Norway in the quarter-finals.
here, sky sports A review of all the players who had an eventful evening in Mexico City.
Jordan Pickford – 9
His best game of the tournament. Pickford had faced criticism in the four games prior to the last-16 tie at Azteca, but his save from Raul Jimenez’s early diving header gave him a much-needed confidence boost.
He also made a brilliant run down the right to block another header from Jimenez as England went into half-time with a slim one-goal advantage and pressure on them. Perhaps the penalty could have been saved if not for his big step to the left.
A calm head in a chaotic game. He is back to his best form once again.
Jordan Pickford has completely disowned Raul Jimenez.
Jarrell Kwansa – 4
Right-back was a hot topic before this game and will continue to be a hot topic afterwards. But in Quansah’s defence, he never put a foot wrong until he launched himself into a challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
England’s first red card at a World Cup since Wayne Rooney’s win against Portugal in 2006 put the match in the balance, but thankfully for Quansah his team held on to ensure his mistake did not cost them their place in the tournament.
Ezri Konsa – 8
England’s centre-backs have also been under scrutiny throughout the tournament, but they cannot be faulted for this defensive performance. A team came together for the final whistle.
Konsa was no-nonsense and trustworthy in his approach. You can’t blame the defenders left on the pitch in a game where they put everything on the line and produced a great defensive performance.
Marc Guehi – 8
Like Konsa, Guehi can’t be blamed for this display. The pressure was higher than ever and both starting centre-backs came together and gave their bodies where and when needed.
Mexico’s Gilberto Mora shoots between England’s Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa.
Nico O’Reilly – 7
He was solid defensively, constantly cutting into space and posing a unique threat in the final third. After the game fell into disarray, they were probably lucky that Jorge Sanchez was shown a red card for an elbow injury.
Thomas Tuchel was quick to withdraw him after the incident. Nonetheless, England appear to have a left-back for the foreseeable future. At this level, on this stage, at just 21 years old. There is a lot to learn, such as avoiding elbow-like moments, and it is very impressive.
Elliot Anderson – 7
Anderson drifted out of the game, filtering into a running back role to provide additional reinforcements to the defence. With England down to 10 men it was difficult to say anything about possession, but in games like this a player like Anderson is a much-needed profile.
Declan Rice – 7
A yellow card within the first minute reduced his influence on the game as he had to apply the brakes on all of his usual behavior in midfield. Mexico took the lead in the center before the goal, but Rice continued to do his part.
He hid in the bunker with the rest of the squad and played his part in a stoic defensive performance. Battling a nagging injury and playing the entire game for 101 minutes did not go unnoticed either. Rice gave his body like any other player.
Declan Rice received an early yellow card against Mexico.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Although he was outside his usual standards, the outstanding qualities he can bring to the game and why he is so important to England were evident when he crossed for Bellingham in the opener.
Had he withdrawn at the 56-minute mark in response to Quansah’s sending off, he wouldn’t have stayed in the tank any longer anyway.
Jude Bellingham – 10
Alti Jude! British man for big events. Although he started the game quietly like the rest of his team, Azteca energized his team with a rapid-fire double to silence the cauldron.
His goal at one end speaks for itself but he also reached out to save England defensively, poking the ball in before Cesar Montes fired in point-blank range and literally running down the ground to win this game.
Bellingham showed up at every key moment. If he’s not there yet, a legend is in the making.
Anthony Gordon – 9
A performance that silences all doubts. Two assists off the bench against DR Congo gave Gordon a lively start to the World Cup. He was sensational and influential in the Azteca.
A tenacious runner, but paired with the courage needed to question defenses. Combining these two traits translates to earning the third core penalty. He simply didn’t stop. Excellent work by Gordon.
Harry Kane – 9
Pressure, what pressure? Air pressure is for your tires! The match remained balanced at 2-1 after Quansah’s red card, but Kane remained ice-cold from the penalty spot in arguably the most tense moment of his career.
The two-goal lead quickly disappeared, but his goal was the one that confirmed advancement to the quarterfinals.
England’s last 11 goals at the World Cup have come from Bellingham and Kane. This is a tournament for big names and the England duo continue to perform when it matters most.
Harry Kane celebrates after scoring a penalty to give England a 3-1 lead.
replacement product
John Stones – 8
Although he took over under difficult circumstances following Quansah’s red card, he was the experienced manager England needed to steady the ship.
The Stones did it on every level, and the high octane ending in Azteca required that level of maturity.
Jed Spence – 8
He replaced O’Reilly after an elbow problem and filled in at left-back. He took action, but the mission was clear. If the ball is there, you clear it and reset.
A last-ditch tackle inside the box saved Mexico’s big chance 10 minutes from the end. He was great defensively.
And burns – 8
Tuchel was making his first World Cup appearance as he appeared to man the barricades in the final 20 minutes. A strong physical presence and wall-to-wall defensive display was needed.
Morgan Rogers – 6
He replaced Kane as time expired and ran well, clearing his lines in the box and trying to hold on to the ball. It wasn’t a cameo he could speak of in the future, but he did his part.
