England Beats Mexico 3-2 to Reach World Cup Last 8 as Norway Looms

Q: Hailed as a historic victory, was England's triumph true resilience or a lucky escape that a stronger opponent will surely punish?

England’s win was mainly true resilience, but it also carried warning signs that a sharper side could punish. The evidence for resilience is strong. England won 3-2 at the Azteca, against an unbeaten host nation, in altitude, after a storm delay, and with 10 men from the 52nd minute. That is not a routine escape. Tuchel’s in-game management was decisive: he introduced John Stones, shifted to a back five, and used Dan Burn and Djed Spence to protect the box. England then survived more than 40 minutes a man down, something no England men’s side had done before in a World Cup knockout match. Jordan Pickford’s saves, Declan Rice’s defensive work, and Jude Bellingham’s all-round display gave the result real substance. But it was not a fully convincing performance. England had been 2-0 up and still let Mexico back into the match. Quansah’s red card came from a rash challenge, Kane conceded a penalty, and there were other moments of disorder, including a near own goal and repeated pressure from crosses and second balls. Mexico created enough chances that a more clinical team might have forced extra time or won. So the result should be read as both a landmark and a warning. England showed character, tactical flexibility and belief under extreme stress. Yet Norway, with Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, is better equipped than Mexico to exploit defensive lapses and transitions. If England repeat the same errors, resilience alone may not be enough.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 10

3-2 at Estadio Azteca sent England into the World Cup quarter-finals after Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane added a 60th-minute penalty.
Jarell Quansah's 52nd-minute red card turned the tie chaotic, but Thomas Tuchel reshaped his defense with John Stones, Djed Spence and Dan Burn as Jordan Pickford preserved the lead.
The win was England's first World Cup knockout victory with 10 men and one of only 10 knockout wins since lifting the trophy in 1966.
Saturday's quarter-final brings Norway, which reached the last eight for the first time by beating Brazil 2-1 and is led by Erling Haaland, who has 62 goals in 54 senior internationals.