On a night of sheer sporting theatre, with the game delayed by an hour because of severe storms, Thomas Tuchel’s side even survived Jarell Quansah’s red card early in the second half to record one of their finest wins in recent years.
The back-to-back European Championship finalists faced all manner of obstacles heading into Sunday’s last-16 tie at the majestic Estadio Azteca, where kick-off was delayed by an hour due to a storm.
An outstanding break brought a 36th-minute opener in Mexico City. Pickford plucked out a pass and threw out to Declan Rice, who drove from deep in his own half and played wide to Bukayo Saka. The winger sent a fine clipped cross that Bellingham headed home and two minutes in, England doubled their lead. Pressure from Elliot Anderson and Gordon saw England gain possession, with Bellingham playing wide to Kane and meeting the skipper’s low ball from close range.
The benches clashed as Quansah’s challenge on Jesus Gallardo initially went unpunished, only for referee Alireza Faghani to be sent to the pitchside monitor and return brandishing a red card.
England restored their two-goal advantage six minutes later after Faghani pointed to the spot. Gordon was brought down by Rangel with Kane coming to score the penalty kick. VAR Nicolas Gallo sent referee Faghani to the monitor again for a penalty review and adjudged Kane to have caught Brian Gutierrez when clearing. Jimenez beat Pickford with 69 minutes on the clock and set up a thrilling finish.
With England under pressure and in frantic atmosphere, Tuchel brought on Dan Burn and Djed Spence, reverting to a five-man defence to see out 11 minutes of stoppage time for a superb win.
