Jude Bellingham enjoyed the ‘best night’ of his international career after scoring twice to send England into the World Cup quarter-finals with a 3-2 win away to Mexico.
The Real Madrid midfielder bagged a 95-second brace in the first half to spoil the hopes of a passionate 80,000 home crowd as Mexico lost for the third time in 90 games at the Estadio Azteca.
On a night of drama in the Mexican capital, England were forced to trail a man for most of the second half following Jarell Quansah’s red card.
But after Harry Kane’s penalty extended England’s lead, they held on to set up a meeting with Erling Haaland’s Norway in the last eight on Saturday.
«It’s the best night of my career in England. Just incredible. I can’t put it into words right now,» Bellingham said.
«It’s hard to put it all together: the goals, the penalty against, the penalty for, the red card. It was a chaotic match, but thanks to Mexico, they were in a different class… but this team showed character tonight and I’m proud of it.»
England also overcame playing at high altitude and an hour’s delay in the match due to bad weather on an evening that will live long in the memory.
Bellingham praised Thomas Tuchel’s character, in contrast to the disappointments he faced growing up at major tournaments.
“Big pressure moments in recent years watching as a fan, as a kid England would probably have crumbled but we stuck together until the last second,” he added.
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«The players who came on the field, the players who started, ran themselves into the ground and gave everything. That’s what this team is about.»
Bellingham now has four goals in five games at the tournament to emphatically dispel pre-competition doubts that he would even start under Tuchel.
He dreams of uniting a nation as England looks to end the 60 years since the country last won a major tournament.
“Wherever you come from, whatever you do, I imagine everyone is together and that’s what I dream of being a part of,” the 23-year-old said.
«Bringing my country together and giving them nights like this. I’m so proud of this team – what we did tonight is spectacular.»
Published on July 6, 2026
