England player ratings vs Mexico with five 6/10s and one 10/10
England battled hard to reach the quarter final of the World Cup as they emerged 3-2 victors over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, becoming only the third team since 1966 to achieve this feat.
A brace from Jude Bellingham and a Harry Kane penalty proved to be enough to defeat Mexico as they battled for 47 minutes with 10 men following Jarell Quansah receiving a red card.
Mexico struck through Julian Quinones in the first half to go in at the interval 2-1 behind before a penalty from Raul Jimenez made it 3-2 in the 69th minute to pile the pressure on England in the latter stages.
England would survive the Mexican onslaught after the hydration break, and now they will face Norway in the quarter final of the World Cup after Erling Haaland fired them past Brazil earlier in the evening.
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Jordan Pickford – 8
Made several vital saves throughout the game and could do very little with the goals that went past him.
Nico O'Reilly – 6
The Manchester City fullback defended throughout the first half, struggling to deal with the winger in the first half, but in the second, as he moved forward, he proved to be an important piece of the attack, even striking the post.
Marc Guehi – 6
Struggled at times to deal with the crosses into the area in the first half but defended admirably in the second half.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Similar performance to Guehi, but following the red card to Quansah, he demonstrated his worth as he moved to right back and defended incredibly well.
Jarell Quansah – 4
Could have cost his nation progression in the World Cup with a reckless challenge to be sent off, but before that he had been doing a decent job.
Declan Rice – 6
Led the counterattack for the first goal by carrying the ball the length of the pitch before laying it off to Saka. Did his defensive duties well throughout.
Elliot Anderson – 6
Proved to be a solid player in the middle. Crucial to winning the ball high up the pitch for the second goal to launch the attack.
Anthony Gordon – 8
He was a crucial outlet for England, especially in the second half. His direct running and his ability to hold the ball up were crucial, along with the sharp burst of pace to win the ball before the keeper to earn the penalty.
Jude Bellingham – 10
The Real Madrid star worked tirelessly throughout the match and scored a first-half brace, but also in the final few minutes before the interval he made a last gasp clearance to deny a Mexican equaliser, a phenomenal performance.
Bukayo Saka – 7
He provided an excellent assist for the first goal by lifting the ball into the six-yard box, allowing Bellingham to meet it perfectly. Worked tirelessly before being substituted, helping out defensively.
Harry Kane – 8
Got an important assist for Bellingham’s second goal and netted a penalty, but he did give away a spot kick. He became the first player on record since 1966 to score a penalty and concede a penalty in a World Cup match.
John Stones (for Saka) – 6
Demonstrated all his class in the defensive duties when he came on; his experience proved vital.
Djed Spence (For O’Reilly) – 6
Defended incredibly bravely and made a great last-ditch challenge to deny a Mexican a shot from close range with the whole goal to aim at.
Dan Burn (for Anderson) - 6
Fought hard and did his job admirably as he came on from the bench to help England defend wave after wave of Mexican attack.
Morgan Rogers (for Kane) – 5
Not on for long enough to have an impact on the game; however, did help see out the result in the final minutes.
Topics: England, FIFA World Cup, Football News, Football
Brendan McGilligan