England player ratings vs Mexico: Three Lions survive Azteca chaos to reach Quarter-Finals | OneFootball

England are in the World Cup quarter-finals after one of their finest knockout performances in decades.

Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a breathless encounter at the Azteca as the Three Lions silenced a ferociously hostile home crowd. Jude Bellingham proved unplayable during a sensational first-half spell. The Real Madrid midfielder struck twice within two minutes.

The ten-man England showed immense character after Jarell Quansah received a red card. Harry Kane slammed home a crucial penalty to seal the win. However, England’s defensive errors kept Mexico firmly in the contest until the final whistle.

Here is how the men in white rated in Mexico City

England player ratings vs Mexico

Goalkeeper and Defence

Jordan Pickford — 7 Produced a sharp low save to deny Jiménez’s diving header in the 15th minute — a crucial intervention at a pivotal moment. Tipped the same player’s effort over the bar just before half-time when Mexico were pushing hard for a leveller at 2-1. Solid throughout a frantic second half.

Jarell Quansah — 5 Had been putting in a composed performance before his night ended in the 54th minute. A sliding tackle on Gallardo was reviewed by VAR and upgraded to a straight red card. Unfortunate in its conclusion, but the challenge left the referee with little choice.

Ezri Konsa — 7 His attempted clearance from the 43rd-minute free-kick fell directly to Quiñones, who volleyed Mexico back into the match. Recovered well after the setback and produced crucial clearances as England ground out the win with ten men.

Marc Guehi — 7 Took the ball in tight areas and under pressure as England looked to control the game. Stood firm as Mexico threw everything at England’s depleted defence in the closing stages.

Nico O’Reilly — 7 His best performance of the tournament. Flashed a dangerous cross across the box and struck a low volley against the post early in the second half. Taken off after picking up a yellow card as England switched to a back five.

Midfield and Attack

Declan Rice — 7 Booked in the first minute and managed himself carefully for the full 90 minutes in a match that repeatedly threatened to boil over. His lung-busting run from his own half to the edge of the Mexico box directly set up England’s opening goal. A commanding defensive presence throughout.

Elliot Anderson — 6 A quieter evening than his best but did his job without fuss. Won the ball back to trigger Bellingham’s second goal. Replaced as Tuchel reshaped England’s defensive structure.

Jude Bellingham — 9 (⭐ Player of the Match) Two goals in 98 seconds put England in control before Mexico had settled. The first a diving header from Saka’s cross. The second a composed tap-in after getting beyond Montes to convert Kane’s cutback. He also made a crucial late clearance to deny Montes from close range after Pickford had tipped Jiménez’s header over. Drove forward repeatedly in the second half to relieve pressure with England a man down. The first player to score twice at the Azteca since Maradona in 1986.

Bukayo Saka — 7 Filled in as a right wing-back when England defended deep in the first half, covering the space around Quiñones without complaint. Still a consistent attacking threat throughout. His delivery from the right created the opening goal.

Anthony Gordon — 8 Direct and relentless from first to last. Caused Mexico’s defenders problems all evening with his pace and movement. Won the penalty that gave England a two-goal cushion at a critical moment in the match.

Harry Kane — 8 Assisted Bellingham’s second with a precise cutback across the face of goal. Drilled his penalty into the bottom corner with England reduced to ten men. Also gave away a penalty with a careless challenge on Gutiérrez that handed Mexico a route back into the match.

Substitutes

John Stones — 7 Introduced immediately after Quansah’s dismissal to stabilise a disrupted defensive shape. A calm and experienced presence when England needed it most. Made several key interventions as Mexico pressed for an equaliser.

Djed Spence — 7 Came on at left wing-back as England switched to a back five. Made a crucial last-ditch tackle when the ball was bouncing dangerously in the penalty area.

Dan Burn — 8 Came on for his first World Cup minutes and immediately made his presence felt. Won headers in the channels Mexico were targeting and produced a significant block late on to help England across the line.

Morgan Rogers — 6 Replaced Kane in the closing stages and used his pace to carry the ball away from danger and run the clock down.

Read more – Remembering England’s last-16 games at the World Cup this century

See Also- England should not fear misleading Mexico record at Azteca

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