England ratings: Bellingham shines but heroic defence secures QF spot

England survived a nervy 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, their defensive resilience the decisive factor in a match that threatened to unravel at every turn. Two goals from Jude Bellingham had put Gareth Southgate’s side in control, but Julian Quinones pulled Mexico back into the game before Harry Kane’s 89th-minute penalty restored the lead. The drama peaked in stoppage time when Jarell Quansah’s red card threatened to derail the Three Lions, yet a disciplined rearguard action saw them through to face Norway in the last eight. The victory, though far from comfortable, underscores England’s capacity to grind out results when it matters most.

A night of defensive grit and midfield mastery

Bellingham’s brace—his first goals of the tournament—set the tone early, but it was the defensive structure that truly defined the evening. Jordan Pickford, under intense scrutiny in recent matches, delivered a performance that belied his prior struggles. His crucial save from Raul Jimenez’s early diving header restored confidence, while his agility kept England ahead at half-time despite mounting pressure. The backline, led by Ezri Konsa, stood firm in the face of relentless Mexican attacks, their composure under fire a testament to Southgate’s tactical adjustments.

Mexico’s relentless pressing, orchestrated by Julian Quinones, repeatedly exposed England’s midfield, but Bellingham’s industry and Kane’s composure in the final third provided the necessary balance. Kane’s penalty, converted with clinical precision, was the moment that shifted the narrative from chaos to control, even as the red card loomed. The Three Lions’ ability to absorb punishment and respond with purpose highlights their growing maturity in high-stakes encounters.

Quansah’s red card: a costly misstep, but not fatal

The sending-off of Jarell Quansah in the 90+3rd minute could have spelled disaster, yet England’s defensive unit rose to the occasion. The right-back’s challenge on Jesus Gallardo was reckless, ending a composed tournament for the young defender and becoming the first England red card at a World Cup since Wayne Rooney’s dismissal against Portugal in 2006. The numerical disadvantage forced Southgate’s side into a deeper, more compact shape, and they weathered the storm.

While Quansah’s error will dominate post-match discussions, the collective response from his teammates—particularly Konsa and Pickford—demonstrated the squad’s depth. The substitution of Bukayo Saka for Conor Gallagher in the dying embers added fresh legs to the defensive block, a tactical tweak that paid dividends. The incident, though regrettable, does not overshadow the broader narrative: England found a way to win when it mattered.

Tactical adjustments and the road to Norway

Southgate’s approach against Mexico reflected a clear game plan: control the midfield through Bellingham, exploit Kane’s link-up play, and prioritise defensive solidity. The introduction of Gallagher for added steel in midfield, coupled with Saka’s defensive work rate, allowed England to absorb pressure without conceding further goals. The substitution of Ivan Toney for Kane in the final minutes was a nod to pragmatism, ensuring the captain’s energy could be channelled into defensive duties.

With Norway next in the quarter-finals, England will need to replicate this blend of creativity and resilience. Norway’s physicality and set-piece threat present a different challenge, but the signs from this match suggest Southgate’s side are peaking at the right time. The defensive cohesion on display in Mexico City must now be transferred to a new opponent, with the added pressure of a tournament where every mistake is magnified.

England’s victory was not pretty, but it was effective. Bellingham’s goals and Kane’s penalty provided the attacking spark, yet it was the defensive resolve—Pickford’s saves, Konsa’s no-nonsense clearances, and the entire team’s refusal to crack—that secured their place in the quarter-finals. The red card and late drama serve as reminders of the fine margins in knockout football, but Southgate’s men have shown they can navigate chaos when required. Now, with Norway on the horizon, the Three Lions must channel this resilience into a performance that can carry them deeper into the tournament.