England dash Mexico hopes in World Cup thriller at Azteca - ESPN

England survived a raucous Azteca Stadium atmosphere and a red card early in the second half to prevail past co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup round-of-16 clash in Mexico City on Sunday.

In a game that had almost everything — including an hourlong weather delay — the two teams, and the crowd, combined to produce one of the games of the tournament before England clinched a spot in the quarterfinals for a third consecutive World Cup.

Led by two goals from Jude Bellingham and another from Harry Kane, England became the first team to defeat Mexico in the World Cup at the famed Azteca and just the third team to win there in 89 total competitive matches.

As they continue to seek a second World Cup title, and first since 1966, England will take on Erling Haaland and Norway in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday for a place in the semifinals.

«It was a crazy game, we had to find something,» said Kane, his voice hoarse and barely audible from celebrating. «All the occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way.»

Mexico twice fought back bravely from two-goal deficits but saw their dreams dashed of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since they last hosted the World Cup in 1986.

Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds to temporarily quiet the impassioned crowd of more than 80,000 before Julián Quiñones quickly pulled a goal back before halftime to fire up the atmosphere once more.

More drama was to follow in the second half. A straight red card shown to England right back Jarell Quansah for a high challenge on Jesús Gallardo following a video review in the 54th minute looked to give Mexico a fresh avenue for a comeback.

Within a matter of minutes, though, Kane extended England's advantage once more