England Beats Mexico 2-0, Igniting National Joy Over a More Diverse Identity

Q: Is Jude Bellingham's historic form enough to carry a weakened England squad past Norway's Erling Haaland?

Probably yes — but not by Bellingham alone. England remain favourites against Norway, and Bellingham’s form is the biggest reason why. His two goals against Mexico made him the first player to score twice at the Azteca in a World Cup match since Diego Maradona in 1986, and Gary Neville said he has “carried England” through recent matches. At 23, he is producing the kind of all-action, decisive displays that can tilt knockout ties. But the idea that he can simply drag England through on his own is too simplistic. England are weakened: Jarell Quansah is suspended after his red card against Mexico, and Jordan Henderson is out of the tournament with a broken wrist. That matters against a Norway side built around Haaland, who has seven goals in the tournament and just eliminated Brazil with two more. Haaland’s record — 62 goals in 54 internationals — underlines the scale of the threat. The matchup may come down less to star power than to structure. England have been described by analysts as hard to beat, allowing few shots and goals and getting strong value from set pieces. Neville still sees them as favourites, but he has also warned about defensive vulnerability — a dangerous flaw against a striker who needs very little service. So Bellingham’s form looks sufficient to give England the edge, especially with Harry Kane alongside him. But if England’s reshaped defence loses control of Haaland, even a historic Bellingham performance may not be enough.

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 8

Millions across England celebrated before dawn after the team’s World Cup win over Mexico, with pubs granted late opening and supporters embracing strangers as the final whistle blew.
9.1 million viewers watched the match on BBC TV and iPlayer, underlining how the victory briefly cut through Britain’s political gloom and delivered a rare moment of shared national pride.
That pride centered on a squad presented as a modern, multiethnic England—Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka symbolizing belonging based on shared purpose rather than ancestry.
The reaction also revived a wider debate over English identity, suggesting national symbols such as the flag can feel inclusive when attached to a broader story of who belongs.
With Norway next in the quarter-finals, the win’s larger significance lies in whether that 90-minute unity can outlast the tournament in a divided Britain.