England came away with a gritty 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico in the World Cup Round of 16 on Sunday. The Three Lions’ victory means the U.S. men’s national team is the last host nation remaining in the tournament.
Game Recap
England’s main lineup concern involved its right-back spot, but the team was able to overcome this challenge. Mexico, meanwhile, kept 17-year-old Gilberto Mora in midfield after two straight stellar performances as a starter.
The first goal came against the run of play, with Declan Rice driving down the field and swinging the ball wide to Bukayo Saka on the right flank. Saka took on his man before clipping a ball to the back post, where Jude Bellingham came flying in to head home in the 36th minute.
Bellingham didn’t take long to make it a brace, scoring again in the 38th minute. However, England couldn’t hang onto a clean sheet before halftime, with Mexico dominating from there and putting heavy pressure on England’s goal.
The momentum further went Mexico’s way in the 54th minute, with England’s Jarrell Quansah sent off with a red card. Despite this, England scored next, with Harry Kane burying a penalty in the 60th minute.
Mexico did manage to score again, but England defended its box superbly to answer some questions about a possible shaky unit. The Three Lions will now meet Erling Haaland and Norway in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
