

England are through to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic last-16 clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Thomas Tuchel's side were forced to overcome a series of challenges, including a hostile home crowd, an hour-long kick-off delay caused by severe weather and playing with ten men after Jarell Quansah was shown a red card.
Despite the adversity, England held their nerve to secure a famous victory, with Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane leading the way as the Three Lions booked a quarter-final showdown with Norway.
The match had already been surrounded by intense tension before a ball had even been kicked. On Saturday night, England's team hotel in Santa Fe, Mexico City, was placed under police protection after dozens of Mexican supporters gathered outside in an attempt to disrupt the squad's sleep.
Fans armed with loudspeakers, horns and other noisemakers assembled outside the JW Marriott Hotel, hoping to gain a psychological advantage ahead of the knockout tie. Police established barriers around the hotel, but supporters continued creating noise late into the evening.
England ultimately refused to let the hostile atmosphere derail their campaign, producing a resilient performance to silence the home crowd and keep their hopes of lifting a second World Cup alive.

With Tuchel's tactical decisions once again proving crucial under pressure, confidence continues to grow that this England squad has what it takes to make history as they prepare for a huge quarter-final clash against Norway.