06 July,2026 05:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Jude Bellingham (Pic: X/@England)
In the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Mexico, England emerged victorious by 3-2 at the Mexico City Stadium in Coyoacán.
During the match, Jude Bellingham starred for England as he registered two crucial goals.
Reflecting on the victory, the midfielder said that he dreams of giving his countrymen moments which they can enjoy. He also labelled the team's performance as "spectacular".
"I think I can imagine. I can imagine it's carnage, but, in a happy way, positive. Everyone no matter where you're from, no matter, you know, kind of what you do, I can imagine everyone's together. And that's the thing that I dream of being a part of this England squad, bringing my country together, giving them nights like this that they'll enjoy hopefully for many years to come and I'm so proud of this team, honestly. What we've done here tonight is spectacular," he said in a video posted by Sky Sports Football on X.
With the help of the brace, he also achieved a new feat. According to FIFA, Bellingham became the youngest player to reach 10 FIFA World Cup appearances. He achieved the feat at the age of 23 years and six days, surpassing the previous record set by Argentina's Mario Kempes, who was 23 years and 334 days when he faced Poland in 1978.
England came out on top despite playing much of the second half with 10 men after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute. Roared on by a passionate home crowd at Mexico City Stadium, Mexico mounted a spirited comeback in pursuit of their first World Cup quarter-final appearance in four decades, but England held on to secure victory.
Mexico controlled possession during the opening exchanges before England struck twice in quick succession through Bellingham. The midfielder first headed home from Bukayo Saka's cross before doubling the lead moments later after Harry Kane capitalised on a Mexican turnover and set him up for a composed finish.
The hosts responded before the interval when Julian Quinones fired past Jordan Pickford from close range, and the England goalkeeper then produced an outstanding save to deny Raul Jimenez an equaliser before halftime.
The intensity continued after the restart. Nico O'Reilly hit the post for England before Quansah received a straight red card following a challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
Despite being reduced to 10 players, England restored their two-goal cushion when Anthony Gordon was fouled inside the penalty area by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel, allowing Kane to convert from the spot for his sixth goal of the tournament.
Mexico were awarded a penalty of their own after a VAR review adjudged Kane to have fouled Brian Gutierrez. Jimenez converted from 12 yards to make it 3-2, setting up a tense finish.
(With ANI Inputs)
