Bellingham brace sends England past Mexico into World Cup quarter-finals

MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Jude Bellingham described the finest evening of his international career after netting twice to carry England into the World Cup quarter-finals with a 3-2 victory over Mexico on the road.

The Real Madrid midfielder struck twice inside 95 seconds during the opening half, dashing the hopes of a roaring crowd of 80,000 as Mexico suffered only their third defeat in 90 outings at Estadio Azteca.

England endured a tense second half in the Mexican capital after Jarell Quansah was sent off, leaving Thomas Tuchel's side to play a man short for long stretches. Harry Kane converted from the spot to extend the lead, and the visitors held firm to book a last-eight clash with Erling Haaland's Norway on Saturday.

"It's the best night of my England career. Just unbelievable. I can't put it into words right now," Bellingham said.

"It's tough to kind of gather everything together — the goals, the penalty against, the penalty for, the red card. It was a chaotic game but credit to Mexico, they were a different class…but this team showed character tonight and I'm proud."

The match unfolded at altitude and began an hour late because of poor weather, adding further strain on a night Bellingham said would stay with him.

He praised the resilience of Tuchel's squad, contrasting their performance with England sides he watched fall short at past major tournaments.

"Big pressure moments in years gone by watching as a fan, as a kid, England probably would have crumbled but we stuck together until the last second," he added.

"The players who came on, the players that started, running themselves into the ground and giving everything — that is what this team is about."

Bellingham has now scored four times in five tournament appearances, answering questions raised before the competition about whether he would hold a regular place in Tuchel's starting lineup.

The 23-year-old spoke of his hope to rally the country as England pursue a first major trophy in 60 years.

"No matter where you're from, no matter what you do, I can imagine everyone's together, and that's the thing I dream of being a part of — bringing my country together and and giving them nights like this," said the midfielder.

"I'm so proud of this team. What we've done tonight is spectacular."