England ratings vs Mexico: Jude Bellingham is the main man as Jordan Pickford proves fearless | OneFootball

Midfield maestro scored two first-half goals to put Three Lions on their way to the last eight

England reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a fearless 3-2 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca in what was an instant classic.

Jude Bellingham scored twice in a first half in which Julian Quinones also netted as England led 2-1 at the interval.

They then had right-back Jarell Quansah sent off for following through on Jesus Gallardo, but almost immediately after were 3-1 up when Harry Kane scored a penalty after Anthony Gordon was felled.

Raul Jimenez reduced Mexico’s deficit again after Kane conceded a penalty of his own, but England defended resolutely to set up a quarter-final against Norway.

Dom Smith was at Estadio Azteca to rate the England players’ performances…

Jordan Pickford 8

Saved superbly from Jimenez twice from two first-half headers. Could do nothing to prevent the Mexico opener and was beaten by Jimenez’s penalty. Fearless from crosses, getting great distance on punches.

Deputised well at right-back as he came back into the team after injury. Was shown a slightly controversial red card, though, despite winning the ball before following through. Left the pitch in tears.

Ezri Konsa 6

Defended well. Slightly unfortunate that his clearance off the line in the first half fell the way of Quinones to batter home.

Marc Guehi 7

Made a number of crucial blocks in both the first half and the second.

Nico O’Reilly 6

Some nice threaded passes and one volley which nearly deflected in off Bellingham. Ended up on a booking and being substituted.

Elliot Anderson 7

Nibbled at Mexican legs in midfield, and his overturn of possession was the trigger for England to counter and Bellingham to score his second goal.

Declan Rice 7

His lung-busting run up the pitch was crucial in England’s opening goal. Worked his socks off.

Bukayo Saka 7

Had to be the fall guy after Quansah was sent off a did look disappointed to be subbed. But had got England going with a fantastic assist for Bellingham’s opener.

Jude Bellingham 9

The man for the big occasion, truly. Scored twice in as many minutes to put England 2-0 up in the first half and made a goal-saving tackle just before half-time. Stellar.

Anthony Gordon 8

One of England’s most important players on the night. Had their first shot, involved in the second goal, and won the penalty for the third. A huge defensive shift, too.

Harry Kane 8

Assisted the second goal and scored a nerveless penalty to make it 3-1. Then took up a position in his own box, heading countless balls clear.

Subs

John Stones (Stones, 57’) 6

Defended very well when he came on, making important blocks as Mexico piled on the pressure.

Djed Spence (O’Reilly, 75’) 6

Some important tackles in the box helped England see out the victory.

Made a few vital blocks when brought on.

Took up good positions but England barely had the ball in the one minute plus stoppage time that he was on for.

Not used: D Henderson, Trafford, Chalobah, James, J Henderson, Mainoo, Eze, Rashford, Watkins, Madueke, Toney