· 2 min readIn this Mexico vs England match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
There was a special atmosphere before kick-off, and you could feel it from the very first minute. Backed by the Azteca crowd, Mexico started with intensity, high pressing and a real desire to take control. England, more cautious, tried to control possession, but without much penetration.
For much of the first half, that was the pattern of the game: Mexico were more active, spent more time in the attacking half, while England enjoyed more cautious possession. Even so, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Mexico pressed well but lacked quality in the final action. England, whenever they increased the tempo, showed they had the ability to hurt them.
And that was exactly how the game suddenly turned in almost inexplicable fashion.
In the 37th minute, a direct ball was played out to the right, Saka created space in a one-on-one situation and delivered an accurate cross. Bellingham attacked the space brilliantly and headed home. It was the sort of move that comes from knowing exactly when to make the run.
Before Mexico had even realised what had happened, the second goal arrived. In the 38th minute, England won the ball back high up the pitch, Kane recovered possession on the right and squared it into the six-yard box. Bellingham reacted quickly in a crowded area and finished. Two goals in barely two minutes, despite Mexico having looked the more comfortable side.
But this game was far from normal.
Mexico’s response came almost immediately. In the 42nd minute, a wide free-kick was delivered into the box, Konsa failed to clear properly, and the ball fell to Quiñones. He needed no second invitation, smashing a powerful finish into the roof of the net. A goal that brought Mexico straight back into the contest.
And until half-time, it was almost entirely one-way traffic. Pressure, intensity and chances. Raúl Jiménez had a great headed opportunity that Pickford kept out, and there was also a crucial goal-line clearance from Bellingham. It was a chaotic end to the first half, with the game completely open.
England actually started the second half better, looking more organised and more comfortable in possession. But everything changed in one moment.
In the 53rd minute, Quansah went in heavily on Gallardo and was shown a straight red card. The intent could be debated, but the contact was clear. From that point on, the game changed completely.
Curiously, despite being down to ten men, it was England who scored again. In the 60th minute, Pickford launched a long ball forward, Kane won the header and Gordon was fouled by the goalkeeper. Kane stepped up and confidently converted the penalty to make it 1-3.
Mexico responded almost immediately. After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded for a foul by Kane. In the 69th minute, Raúl Jiménez calmly converted, and from then on the game became attack against defence.
Until the final whistle, it was almost all Mexico. The ball spent most of the time in England’s half, with cross after cross and attacks coming from every angle. The introduction of a more physical striker summed up the approach perfectly: load the box and keep pushing.
England defended however they could. A deep block, countless clearances and plenty of suffering. Pickford produced the saves when required, the defence somehow held firm, and the clock slowly ticked down.
There was one final scare deep into stoppage time, with the ball flashing agonisingly close to the post, but it stayed out. And through it all, this remained an utterly chaotic game.
Post-match
England survived. They were not the better team, they did not control the game, but they were ruthless in the key moments. Bellingham made the difference early on, and Kane ensured they got over the line afterwards.
Mexico, meanwhile, produced an excellent performance, particularly in terms of intensity and pressing, but paid a heavy price for those two disastrous minutes.
