SOCCER: England emerge from Azteca ordeal looking every inch World Cup contenders

MEXICO CITY – England delivered one of the most memorable wins of their World Cup campaign on Sunday, defeating co-host Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash at the Azteca Stadium to book a place in the quarterfinals.

Jude Bellingham scored twice, while captain Harry Kane converted a penalty as England overcame a hostile atmosphere, high-altitude conditions, and a late spell with 10 men to end Mexico's unbeaten run in the tournament.

The victory was especially significant as Mexico had won all four of their previous matches without conceding a goal and had long been nearly unbeatable at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

England showed resilience after being reduced to 10 players, defending desperately against relentless Mexican attacks in the closing stages. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a series of crucial saves, while Bellingham capped his outstanding performance with a vital goal-line clearance.

"I can't put it into words right now ... the goals, the penalty against, the penalty for, the red card," Bellingham said. "It was a chaotic game."

"It felt like a full squad performance. It felt like we had 26 players. Every time we cleared the ball, when big Dan Burn smashed his head off one and cleared it up the pitch, you could see all the subs on the sideline up, all the staff, the fans got behind us in the stadium."

Playing at an altitude of about 2,200 meters above sea level, England also overcame one of international football's toughest home environments. Since opening in 1966, the Azteca had witnessed only two Mexican defeats in 89 senior competitive international matches.

England became the first team to hand Mexico a World Cup defeat at the Azteca, surviving 11 minutes of stoppage time to secure the victory.

England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his players' determination after the final whistle.

"It's what I always tell you, this team ... they really mean it. When the going gets tough, they never give up, they never lose belief," Tuchel said. "It was one step more."

Following the match, England's players celebrated with their supporters, singing Oasis' "Wonderwall" as they marked a victory that strengthened their belief they can challenge for the World Cup title.

England will face Norway in the quarterfinals in Miami on Saturday. -Reporting by Lori Ewing, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters