A closer look at England's memorable night at the Azteca
If you're an England fan, this was one of the most iconic wins since 1966
Did you stay up and watch it?
Author | Ben A
England's players sank to their knees in a mixture of elation and exhaustion after producing a performance worthy of the occasion as they became one of the few visiting sides to conquer Mexico's formidable Azteca Stadium.
On a night filled with drama, emotion and sporting theatre in one of football's most iconic arenas, England secured one of the finest World Cup victories in their history.
Indeed, it ranks among their greatest wins of any kind. Arguably their finest since lifting the World Cup at Wembley in 1966.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel, who embraced two-goal hero Jude Bellingham with unrestrained delight after the final whistle before the pair collapsed into each other's arms, had delivered precisely the type of victory the Football Association envisioned when appointing him.
England's 3-2 victory set up a quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday at 22:00 BST. The scoreline alone barely begins to capture a night that will live long in the memory of everyone who witnessed it.
World Cup 2026 | Mexico 2 - 3 England Where to even start with this one? supernewsaffiliate.blogspot.com/2026/07/worl...
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Tuchel and his players had obstacles to overcome from the moment they arrived in Mexico, from the Azteca's altitude of more than 7,000ft and the relentless noise and hostility that greeted them, to an hour-long delay caused by storms and Jarell Quansah's red card early in the second half.
England overcame every challenge thrown at them
Their World Cup journey goes on.
This was a monumental victory on a monumental night at one of football's most celebrated venues. It was a triumph defined by the extraordinary circumstances in which it was achieved.
Mexico had lost only two of their previous 89 competitive matches at the Azteca before England's victory, and it was easy to understand why.
Supporters packed the streets around the stadium five hours before kick-off, the noise inside was deafening and some Mexico fans were moved to tears as they sang the national anthem.
Thunder rumbled overhead, lightning lit up the sky and dark clouds gathered above the Azteca as the delayed kick-off heightened the sense that something special was about to unfold.
It certainly was something special
Into that cauldron stepped an England side whose progress to the last 16 had prompted questions, only to produce a display that reminded supporters inside the stadium, and those watching on television or listening on radio through the early hours back home, exactly what this team is capable of.
England emptied the tank in unfamiliar conditions high above sea level. That alone makes this the standout victory of Tuchel's reign so far and one that deserves its place alongside the country's finest wins of recent years.
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