'Iconic match at iconic stadium' - England win down to 'pure will'

England are now three wins away from lifting the World Cup [AFP via Getty Images] Harry Kane's voice in his post-match interview summed up the nature of England's epic World Cup win against Mexico at a raucous Azteca Stadium. Kane converted a penalty as England won a pulsating last-16 tie - and by the time he spoke to BBC Sport after the game, he was audibly exhausted from the effort he had put into the celebrations that followed the 3-2 win. "I've just been singing, I can't really talk," the Bayern Munich striker said. "The occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way." England needed to find a way despite racing into a comfortable lead thanks to Jude Bellingham's two goals in as many minutes. Mexico pulled one back and Thomas Tuchel's side then had Jarell Quansah sent off but Kane's penalty ultimately proved decisive despite Mexico making it 3-2 with more than 20 minutes left. It was an England performance for the ages and one that might give their supporters more belief after some lacklustre displays until their arrival in Mexico. "If a team has heart and belief, then it's this team," Tuchel told BBC Sport. "They did it on pure will. No words. That's an iconic match, an iconic stadium. We overcame so much adversity. Very proud." Bellingham produced one of his best performances for England, putting in a colossal effort in defence as well as his two goals. "It's the best night of my England career. Just unbelievable. I can't put it into words right now," the Real Madrid midfielder said. "This is the thing I dream of being a part of this England squad - bringing my country together, giving them nights like this that they will enjoy for many years to come. "I am so proud of this team. What we have done is spectacular." Those fans back in England had to show their own version of committed, with inclement weather delaying kick-off until 02:00 BST that meant the game did not finish until after 04:00. Bellingham's words of advice for those fans? "Have another shot and text your bosses to say you're not coming in!" he joked. "That's about it." 'One of the greatest results in England's World Cup history' as Three Lions beat Mexico Who produced another iconic performance? England player ratings 'We're England and this is what we do' Much had been made of the conditions England would face at the Azteca in the build-up to the game. High altitude and a loud and intimidating home base meant Mexico had a formidable home record without a defeat on home soil in a World Cup match. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was predictably busy and made two key saves to deny Mexico. "That was unreal. You'll never get moments like that again in football," Pickford told BBC Radio 5 live. "Come to the Azteca, it is once in a lifetime. A bucket-list memory. Everyone talking about altitude. It was us against them. We rolled our sleeves up and we got the victory. It wasn't pretty, but it was bloody tough. You've got to roll your sleeves up and dig in. "It was an all-round gutsy performance. That is what we are. We're England and that's what we do." Ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart believes Pickford led by example when Tuchel's side were reduced to 10 men early in the second half. "It was an incredible performance from Pickford," he said. "He was absolutely brilliant. When England made the decision to sit deep and defend with their lives, Pickford led. "He has played a starring role yet again in a knockout game for England." Pickford was one of England's heroes but his performance was overshadowed by that of Bellingham. He scored twice in the first half to put England in dreamland and also prevented an almost certain goal that would have made it 2-2 before half-time. "Big games call for big personalities and there's not many bigger than Jude Bellingham," ex-Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said on BBC Radio 5 live. "He has shown why he is the player starting in that position. Him in full flow, there's not many better sights." 'Still one game at a time' "That was one of the greatest results, performances," former England striker Wayne Rooney said on BBC One. "They showed attitude, grit, desire, everything you would have wanted an England team to show they showed." He added: "This has shown we have a team who are capable of winning the World Cup. The belief this will give to these players his huge." England have been here before however - hopes built up and then dashed as they chase that elusive second major international trophy. Next up is Norway and Erling Haaland on Saturday. The Manchester City striker is making the most of his World Cup appearance and is the join top scorer at the tournament with seven goals, two of those scored to knock Brazil out earlier on Sunday. "It is still one game at a time," added Bellingham. "At the end of the day it is just a round of 16 win. "The quarter-final Norway pose a different threat, some that we know really well, some world class players in there, so we will have to be ready. "My god if you can't enjoy a night like this, just for one night, then I don't know what it's worth." World Cup 2026 knockout path How to watch the World Cup on the BBC and ITV Everything you need to know about the World Cup