England 3-2 Mexico 2026 FIFA World Cup Review - For the Ages

England have had some memorable wins and runs in the Euros. But at the World Cup, those moments have been few and far between. Before this tournament, they had just 8 knockout wins in their last 14 World Cups. And aside from their 2018 penalty shoot out win over Colombia, I would say there hasn't been another truly statement game and result for a long time. But this win, over Mexico, given all the context and all that happened in the game, is up there with their greatest World Cup moments. This is my review of their 3-2 win over the co-hosts:

The context

Let's just get this out of the way. Mexico weren't a tournament favourite. Most of their players play well below the top flight of most major leagues. In any other situation, you'd expect England to win comfortably.

But the context really matters. Playing a co-host, who were in rampant form not just at this World Cup but at the Azteca in general. In the cauldron of noise and hostility that was Mexico City and this historic stadium, with the vast majority of supporters in the stadium screaming for the home side. With the fierce heat, the punishing altitude and the 1 hour kick off delay. Everything was working against them. That's what makes this win so impressive.

A bit of everything

How do you even sum up the actual game itself? 5 Goals, 2 penalties, a red card, controversy, nerve shredding drama. Incredible. From an England point of view, we saw them display a bit of everything. A patient approach for the first 35 minutes. A devastating 3 minutes where they popped in 2 quick goals. Terrible game management just before half time.

A moment of madness from Quansah, minutes after England had almost gone 3-1 up. England then actually going 3-1 up. Conceding a penalty. Then backs to the wall defending for the final 40 minutes of the game. Just ridiculous. An all time great World Cup game, regardless of your allegiances.

Carried

This was more of a team performance, but England once again relied on big moments from their 2 main men. Jude Bellingham popped in 2 key goals and almost saw one deflect in off him for a 3rd. He was simply outstanding, running himself into the ground. Harry Kane providing the 2nd with a clever set up and then knocking the ball on for Gordon to win the penalty. A penalty Kane then smashed in.

We saw against Ghana what happens when a team is able to effectively shut down England's 2 headed monster. We'll have to hope Norway haven't figured out how to replicate that.

15 Lions

3 Lions belted out around the Azteca at full time, but in truth there were 14 Lions out there. 10 of the starting XI and the 4 subs. This was a team performance. Saka provided a lovely assist for the opening goal. Gordon was instrumental in the 2nd and 3rd goals. Rice and Anderson ran themselves into the ground in midfield. And then we have the defensive players. They've struggled when they've actually been under pressure at this tournament and they found it tough in this game.

But to their credit, they stood up to some immense pressure and neither of the goals were on them as a group. Bellingham switched off on the 1st and Kane made the foul on the 2nd. Pickford was outstanding, making 2 big saves in the 1st half and then punching and claiming everything in the 2nd half. The defence, Quansah aside, made some huge contributions, especially in the final third of the game when they were under constant pressure. Headers, blocks, clearances, they restricted Mexico to very few clear openings after Jimenez's penalty. It was an outstanding shift from all of them.

Decisions

This is worthy of it's own point. Thomas Tuchel might disagree, but I actually thought the referee, with some VAR help on occasion, got the major decisions right. The tackle by Quansah was a red card. He was unlucky with the way his leg bounced off the ball and into the Mexico players leg, but it was a red. The 2 penalties were correct ones. Gordon was wiped out. Kane kicked the back of the attackers leg.

In a tournament where referees and officials have come under intense scrutiny for not giving big decisions or giving them only with VARs help, this game was a good one from the officials.

Referee Assessment - 7

A little bit overzealous with some of his actions, such as sprinting over to players to lecture them, but the big decisions were correct. No complaints about his performance.

Management Assessment - 8

They got the game plan almost spot on. Patience for the first 35 minutes, knowing Mexico might eventually give them a chance to create chances, which they did. Putting Kane and Bellingham in positions to thrive. Getting the winger choices right.

But most importantly of all, once they went down to 10 they were superb. The changes raised eyebrows, but they worked. Moving to a back 5 was the right choice. Packing the penalty area was the right choice. The maligned squad picks of Djed Spence and Dan Burn both contributing.

Their squad choices at RB and how chaotic England look at the back when they don't pack the box are concerns, but the management earned their flowers for this win.

Player Ratings

Jordan Pickford - 8

2 big 1st half saves and then he was faultless in the 2nd half. He's had a shaky tournament thus far, but this was him at his best when they really needed him.

Jarrell Quansah - 4

He has my sympathies for being forced to play in an unfamiliar RB spot in such a tough situation. And I have sympathies for the way his leg rolled off the ball, into the opponents leg and resulted in a red. But the way he lunged in always meant that outcome was a possibility. It can't happen from an England international. It should be his last game of this tournament. James, Spence or if their fitness isn't sufficient, play Konsa there instead.

Ezri Konsa - 6

Poor first half, but stepped up much more in the 2nd half. I've not been very impressed with him, but he did the business under a lot of pressure.

Marc Guehi - 8

Can't think of anything he did wrong. He just plays his role effortlessly and you don't notice him. Which for a CB is a good thing.

Nico O'Reilly - 7

I thought he had a decent game on the whole. Unlucky when his long range effort cannoned back off the post. His tangle with Sanchez was a silly one though.

Declan Rice - 7

His early booking was unlucky. He put in a shift, but he looks exhausted. Can they really squeeze 1-3 more games out of him? I get his importance to the team and it would never happen, but could they not go with a Anderson-Mainoo midfield against Norway?

Elliott Anderson - 7

Helped force the 2nd goal, but he continues to put in a shift without looking all that great.

Buyako Saka - 7

He was pretty quiet on the whole, but his cross for Bellingham's opener was inch perfect.

Jude Bellingham - 9 MOTM

He switched off a couple of times in defence, but that can be forgiven when you score 2, almost deflect in a 3rd and run yourself to the point of exhaustion. Outstanding.

Anthony Gordon - 7

Similar to Saka, he too was quiet for the most part, but he had 2 telling contributions when he helped set up the 2nd and then won the penalty for the 3rd.

Harry Kane - 8

Like Bellingham, he had a defensive gaffe which was unfortunate, but he once again did the business at the other end. An assist on Bellingham's 2nd and helping Gordon win the penalty, which he duly scored. Brilliant.

Subs:

John Stones - 7

Made some big defensive contributions which helped preserve the lead.

Dan Burn - 7

A surprise choice to come on, he really made it count with some massive clearances and headers.

Djed Spence - 7

Did his defensive work on the unfamiliar left hand side when his country really needed him.

Morgan Rogers - N/A

Didn't have much chance to do anything, but had a couple of moments late on to keep the ball high up the pitch.

Overall Verdict

Outstanding. A win that wasn't without it's warts and concerns, but at this stage of the tournament, who really cares. We've seen teams draw blood from France, Spain and Argentina. Germany and the Netherlands gone. Do I think England can win it all? Probably not. But this has been a fun run so far and I see no reason why they can't get past Norway next Saturday. Are we ready for another evening of nerve shredding tension?