England have just won one of the most important matches in recent history, surviving at the Estadio Azteca with a 3-2 win over their Mexican counterparts.
Under Thomas Tuchel, this team has shown a solid core that England’s historic teams have completely lacked.
Playing almost the entire second half in a slow game, the Three Lions booked a date with Norway in the quarter-finals.
England vs Mexico player ratings
Jordan Pickford – 8/10:
An absolute titan. Although he couldn’t do much about Julián Quiñones’ close-range blast or Raúl Jiménez’s penalty, his two world-class saves late in the game secured the win.
Jarell Quansah – 3/10:
Red carded in the 54th minute following a VAR review. His reckless challenge completely derailed what should have been a comfortable trip.
Marc Guéhi – 6/10:
Shaky faced cross-heavy pressure in the first half, but grew into a defensive hero when England’s backs were against the wall.
Ezri Konsa – 7/10:
Let’s stand up properly. When a tactical adjustment forced him back to the right following a red card, his 1v1 lockdown defense was flawless.
Nico O’Reilly – 6/10:
A true baptism of fire for the left-back. The Manchester City youngster had his hands full early on but almost hit the target when he hit the post.
Declan Rice – 6/10:
He was booked in the early sixty seconds, forcing him to play on the tightrope. He didn’t bite like usual but grabbed a low block late.
Elliot Anderson – 6/10:
The engine room was still moving under the extreme fatigue of the high altitude before it was dedicated to strengthening the defenses.
Jude Bellingham – 10/10:
A truly iconic performance. His rapid fire double within two minutes completely stunned the field. He even performed a miracle to open the goal line. Easily one of the best players in the World Cup.
Watch Saka – 7/10:
His brilliant run and perfectly weighted cross set up Bellingham’s opening goal. Unfortunately, he was taken off in the morning to make amends after the red card.
Anthony Gordon – 8/10:
Amazing speed and maneuverability. His relentless driving spooked Jorge Sánchez and he narrowly won a second-half penalty.
Harry Kane – 7/10:
He held the ball up as England went down to 10 men. He showed ice in his veins to drive his penalty, although he later let one go at the other end.
England showed their defensive quality against Mexico
Historically, England’s 10-man squad in a hostile Latin American arena is melting down.
Tuchel’s Pragmatic Tactical flexibility is why the FA hired him.
As noted by The Guardian, England scored just 33.2%, the lowest since 1966, but their defensive structure was at the forefront of survival.
If they can clean up the disciplinary issues, this team has the steel to go all the way.
Player of the match: Jude Bellingham
‘Not good enough’ – Tuchel fumes after England beat Mexico at Azteca
