Mexican media have responded to England's dramatic last-16 victory over Mexico by showering praise on Jude Bellingham and his team-mates. Thomas Tuchel's men battled hard to beat World Cup 2026 co-hosts Mexico 3-2 on their own patch in the early hours of Monday morning. However, England's road to booking their quarter-final place, where they will meet Norway, was an arduous affair.
Bellingham's Brace Stuns Mexico
Real Madrid star Bellingham netted twice within two minutes before the break, courtesy of assists from Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane, respectively. Minutes later, Mexico pulled one back just before half-time and looked set for a comeback when Jarell Quansah received his marching orders for a reckless challenge in the second half, only for Harry Kane to convert a penalty — his sixth goal of the tournament — handing England a 3-1 cushion after Anthony Gordon was fouled inside the area.
Nail-Biting Finish at the Azteca
Kane then conceded a penalty at the opposite end which was tucked away, resulting in a nail-biting final half-hour, including 11 minutes of added time. However, the Three Lions held firm and secured a memorable victory at the Azteca Stadium, banishing their demons of old.
Midfielder Bellingham, 23, garnered the most attention from the defeated Mexican press, who lauded his immense contribution. Excelsior hailed it as an all-round "great performance" by the 1966 winners.
The publication poignantly wrote: "The power of Jude Bellingham, the strength of Harry Kane and England's defensive prowess were like iron hammers that demolished Mexico's World Cup dreams, still unable to win the important matches."
Mexican Outlets Reflect on England's Grit
"England won through sheer hard work and experience, with more talented players coming through when it mattered most. Jude Bellingham had warned everyone he wasn't going to be taken lightly. With his first touch of the ball in midfield, he drew three opponents away. The Real Madrid attacker is an unstoppable force when he's facing the goal."
"Mexico realised this late, when they first experienced conceding goals in their own World Cup. The landscape of happiness quickly turned dark. But English pragmatism always met with a Mexican response, even if it meant going against time and history."
"With sheer heart and grit, England endured the final 20 minutes huddled in their own half. Pickford narrowed the angle, and five defenders, supported by Bellingham and Gordon, shut down the defence."
El Universal echoed those feelings. They wrote: "Guillermo Ochoa warned the media a day before the match that clinical efficiency is what defines powerhouse teams. Jude Bellingham left them a reminder with his brace."
They noted that "Mexico’s vast possession became merely a statistic," thanks to Bellingham’s goal. The outlet added: "Mexico bowed out with their heads held high. England suffered from start to finish."
'Covered in Blood' – Esto's Verdict
Another publication, Esto, summed it up by saying: "The Mexican heart stopped beating. El Tri gave everything on the field, but their own mistakes cost them elimination against an England side that left the Mexico City stadium covered in blood, with their passage to the quarter-finals in hand."
"Jude's strike wasn't an isolated moment. On the very next play, Gilberto Mora lost possession, and Gordon and Bellingham launched another attack. The number 10 opened up the play for Kane and then cut inside to the far post to await the English captain's cross. The Real Madrid player silenced the stadium with his second goal of the night."
They also heaped praise on the England skipper, adding: "Harry Kane was made for those moments. Lethal and fearless in that position, he unleashed a venomous shot that Raul Rangel tried to save with a stretch that fell short, as the ball kissed the net."
