United News of Bangladesh

England booked a place in the World Cup quarterfinals with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over hosts Mexico on Sunday, ending Mexico's unbeaten World Cup record at Estadio Azteca. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession, while Harry Kane added a penalty as England overcame a hostile crowd, the high altitude of the famous stadium and playing with 10 men for more than half an hour. England will now face Norway in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida, with a place in the semifinals at stake. "I am just proud of the mentality and the attitude," England coach Thomas Tuchel said. "The round of 16 is where you have to find a way to win, and we did it with heart and determination. We overcame every obstacle." Bellingham gave England the lead with a header in the 36th minute before doubling the advantage just 98 seconds later after receiving a pass from Kane, silencing the crowd of 80,824 at Estadio Azteca, where Mexico had been unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches, including three in this tournament. "We've done something incredible tonight," Bellingham said. "We'll enjoy it, recover for a couple of days, and then focus on Norway." Mexico pulled one back in the 42nd minute through Julián Quiñones, and the match swung further in the hosts' favour when England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo. Despite being down to 10 players, England restored its two-goal lead six minutes later after winning a penalty when Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel brought down an England player inside the box. Kane calmly converted the spot-kick for his sixth goal of the tournament and the 14th World Cup goal of his career. The goal moved Kane level with Germany great Gerd Müller as the fifth-highest scorer in World Cup history. He now trails only Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot. Kane later conceded a penalty, becoming the first player since at least 1966 to both score and give away a penalty in the same World Cup match. Raúl Jiménez converted from the spot to reduce the deficit to 3-2. Tuchel praised his team's effort, especially after playing nearly 40 minutes with 10 men at high altitude. "Playing with 10 men for 40 or 50 minutes is difficult anywhere, but we did it here at altitude," he said. "The players gave everything for the team and the country." Mexico launched repeated attacks during the final 21 minutes and 11 minutes of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and England's defence stood firm to secure the victory. Bellingham called it one of England's biggest victories in recent memory. "This is probably one of the biggest England wins I can remember, either as a fan or a player," he said. "It's the best night of my England career." England suffered one setback after the match when midfielder Jordan Henderson was taken to hospital with a wrist injury. Tuchel said Henderson was hurt after falling over an advertising board while celebrating with teammates. "I have mixed feelings because Jordan injured his wrist and it looks quite serious," Tuchel said. "It doesn't fit with such a great evening that he's not with us." Mexico's wait to reach the World Cup quarterfinals continues. The team has not made the last eight since hosting the tournament in 1986. Since then, it has lost in the round of 16 eight times, failed to get past the group stage in 2022 and missed the 1990 World Cup after being disqualified. "Dreaming and losing like this hurts a lot," Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. "But the players gave everything on the field. Unfortunately, it just wasn't our night." The defeat was only Mexico's third competitive loss at Estadio Azteca since the stadium opened in 1966. England had little time to adjust to the venue's altitude of 2,200 metres (7,300 feet), while Mexican fans also tried to disrupt the visitors by making noise outside their hotel before the match. Kick-off was delayed by an hour because of a thunderstorm. England, seeking its first World Cup title since 1966, celebrated with its travelling supporters after sealing a memorable victory.