England win over Mexico ‘a country performance’ after reaching World Cup quarter-finals, says Bellingham | OneFootball

Jude Bellingham says England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico was “a country performance” after the Three Lions battled their way to the World Cup quarter-finals.

After being under pressure for the majority of the first half, Thomas Tuchel’s side’s quality showed when Bellingham scored a quick fire double in the 36th and 38th minutes, but Julian Quinones fired home in the 42nd minute to leave the second half finally poised.

England’s task was made more difficult by the early second half dismissal of Jarell Quansah after a VAR check for a foul on Jesus Gallardo, but Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot in the 60th minute to restore the Three Lions’ two goal lead. Raul Jimenez would then convert his own penalty nine minutes late to set up a nervy last 30 minutes, but England held firm to reach the final eight.

Bellingham believes that the victory in Mexico City was one of his and the country’s finest nights.

“I’ve never been prouder. I’ve never been prouder of a group of lads, a squad, a nation,” Bellingham said. “I was saying in some of the interviews a bit before, it was a country performance. It felt like everything I’ve seen this week is the country behind us. 

“All we’ve talked about this week is how difficult it’s going to be in an unbelievable atmosphere against a very, very good team. So to get this win is the best night of my England career so far, for sure.”

The 23-year-old also praised the unity from the supporters in the stadium and at home after they braved delays and an early morning kick off time to get behind the team.

“I was saying, text your bosses and tell them they’re coming in. Simple as that. I’ve been an England fan since I was seven years old. The 2010 World Cup was my first one and obviously in recent times we’ve had better moments, but I remember watching a few tournaments and some of the players are now on TV talking about it. 

“They struggled in these kind of nights and it was tough because the country didn’t feel like we really got behind them because there wasn’t much reason to. 

“To be a part of an England team that gives so much to the country, that can give them these moments and nights like this, means just as much as anything in my career and in my life really.”