Dan Burn became one of England’s late defensive answers on 6 July 2026 as Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium to reach the World Cup quarter-finals after a chaotic night of storms, altitude, a red card and stoppage-time pressure. England led through two Jude Bellingham goals in 98 seconds, Harry Kane later scored from the penalty spot, and Tuchel turned to Burn and Djed Spence in a back five to protect the England score when Mexico pushed for an equaliser, The WP Times reports.
The answer to did England win last night is yes: England beat Mexico 3-2 in the last 16 and will play Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals at Miami Stadium on Saturday 11 July at 10pm BST. The England Mexico score was shaped by Bellingham’s first-half double, Julian Quiñones’ reply, Jarell Quansah’s red card, Kane’s penalty and Raúl Jiménez’s late spot-kick for Mexico.
Dan Burn and England’s back five changed the final stage against Mexico
Dan Burn was not the headline goalscorer, but his role mattered because England were no longer managing a normal match. After Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute, Tuchel first had to stabilise the side, then protect the box when Mexico attacked with crosses, pressure and emotion.
Burn came on late as England moved into a five-man defence. That tactical switch gave England extra height, extra protection at the far post and another body to attack the first ball. It was not pretty, but it was exactly what the match required. England had to defend deep in the final minutes. Jordan Pickford punched clear, Marc Guéhi and Ezri Konsa stayed compact, and Burn helped England survive the type of late pressure that often breaks teams at the Azteca. The Guardian’s data analysis noted England made 49 clearances, with Burn part of the late defensive structure after Mexico forced 52 crosses.
England Mexico highlights: Bellingham, Kane, Pickford and the key moments
| Moment | Detail |
|---|---|
| Kick-off delay | Severe weather delayed the match by one hour around the Azteca |
| 36’ | Jude Bellingham scored to put England 1-0 up |
| 38’ | Bellingham scored again, making it 2-0 in 98 seconds |
| 42’ | Julian Quiñones pulled Mexico back to 2-1 |
| 54’ | Jarell Quansah was sent off for England |
| 60’ | Harry Kane scored a penalty for 3-1 |
| 69’ | Raúl Jiménez scored Mexico’s penalty for 3-2 |
| Final stage | Dan Burn helped England defend a back five through late pressure |
Jude Bellingham gave England control when Mexico had momentum
Jude Bellingham was the difference before half-time. His two goals turned a dangerous away-style knockout tie into an England lead, and they arrived so quickly that Mexico had to chase the game earlier than planned. Bellingham also mattered without the ball. His defensive work before half-time stopped Mexico from levelling before the break and gave England something to protect after the red card. That is why England highlights from this match are not only about goals; they are about control, recovery and survival. For searches such as who scored for England last night, the answer is simple: Bellingham scored twice and Kane scored once. For who won England or Mexico, England won 3-2.
Jordan Pickford kept England alive at the Azteca
Jordan Pickford produced one of England’s most important goalkeeping performances of the tournament. Mexico had the crowd, the altitude and the pressure, but Pickford made key saves from Raúl Jiménez before England took control.
His command of the penalty area became even more important after England went down to 10 men. Pickford had to deal with crosses, second balls and late pressure while Mexico searched for another goal. This was not a clean England result, but it was a serious tournament win. England did not dominate every phase, yet they showed the kind of defensive discipline that matters in World Cup football.
Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions explain why England survived
Thomas Tuchel’s biggest call was not emotional; it was structural. Once England were down to 10 men, he accepted the match had changed and protected the lead rather than pretending England could continue as before. Bringing on defensive options, including Dan Burn, gave England a clearer shape. The back five reduced space between centre-backs, helped defend crosses and allowed England to finish the match with bodies behind the ball.
Tuchel also criticised the officiating after the match, with Sky Sports reporting that he called the refereeing “not good enough” following the red card and penalty decisions. England’s next game is against Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals. The match is scheduled for Saturday 11 July 2026 at Miami Stadium, with kick-off at 10pm BST.
Norway reached the quarter-finals after beating Brazil, with Erling Haaland now the obvious threat for England. That makes Burn’s role even more interesting because England may again need height, penalty-box control and defensive cover against a direct elite striker. For fans searching world cup fixtures, england next match, next England football match or who are England playing next in the World Cup, the answer is Norway in Miami.
England vs Mexico score and result
England beat Mexico 3-2.
England goals:
- Jude Bellingham, 36’
- Jude Bellingham, 38’
- Harry Kane, 60’ penalty
Mexico goals:
- Julian Quiñones, 42’
- Raúl Jiménez, 69’ penalty
The result sends England into the World Cup quarter-finals and knocks co-hosts Mexico out of the tournament.
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