England Survives Mexico’s Azteca Test to Advance to World Cup Quarterfinals

The Estadio Azteca was loud. Really loud. And for 90 minutes, Mexico made England work for every inch of grass they covered in this Round of 16 clash. But in the end, England’s depth and composure in extra time proved to be the difference.

England walked away with a 2-1 win after 120 minutes, booking a quarterfinal date with Norway. But it was anything but straightforward.

Mexico came out flying. With the same starting XI that rolled through their group stage unbeaten, they pressed high and forced England into mistakes early. Raul Jimenez was a handful, and the crowd fed off every tackle and near miss. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had to be sharp in the first half to keep it scoreless.

England made three changes from their previous match. Jarrad Quansah got the nod at right back over Djed Spence. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon replaced Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford in the attack. It was a gamble from Gareth Southgate, but one that paid off as the game wore on.

The game flipped in extra time

After a tense back-and-forth that saw both teams hit the woodwork, the deadlock was finally broken in the 73rd minute. Jude Bellingham, who had been quiet for long stretches, found space on the edge of the box and curled one past Rangel. Mexico didn’t fold. They equalized eight minutes later through a header from Cesar Montes off a set piece, and the place erupted.

Regulation finished 1-1. Both teams looked gassed. But England found another gear.

In the 108th minute, substitute Marcus Rashford — who had been left out of the starting XI — cut in from the left and fired a low shot that took a deflection and beat the keeper. It wasn’t pretty. But it was enough.

Mexico pushed for another equalizer but couldn’t find a way through. England held on.

England is now one of the only unbeaten teams left in the tournament. Mexico, meanwhile, exits as one of three teams that won all their group matches — only to fall in the knockout round. Soccer can be cruel like that.

The quarterfinal against Norway will be a different kind of test. Norway has looked dangerous all tournament and won’t be intimidated by England’s reputation. But after surviving the Azteca, England might feel like they can handle anything.