England's Three Lions secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over World Cup hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, advancing to the quarter-finals and sparking a nationwide all-nighter among fans. The thrilling last-16 match, which concluded just after 4 a.m. GMT, has led to employers bracing for a significant drop in productivity on Monday, with many fans and players alike anticipating a difficult start to the week.
Jude Bellingham was instrumental in the win, scoring two goals within two minutes in the first half. Harry Kane added a third goal from a penalty in the second half after Anthony Gordon won the spot-kick. However, England faced a setback when Jarell Quansah received a red card, reducing the team to ten men. Mexico capitalized on the advantage to score a penalty, narrowing the deficit to 3-2, but England held on through an extended period of extra time.
The match was played in a fierce atmosphere, with Mexico having a strong home record at the Azteca Stadium and having not conceded a goal in the tournament prior to this match. England, despite being reduced to ten men and facing intense pressure, managed to overcome these challenges. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made crucial saves, and the team's ability to maintain possession was key.
Following the match, Bellingham, who was named player of the match, encouraged fans to celebrate. "Have another shot and text your bosses to say you're not coming in tomorrow," he advised. He expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "What we have done tonight is spectacular" and highlighted the dream of bringing the country together.
The late finish to the game means millions of Britons stayed up until the early hours of Monday. Employers have been warned of a potential "mass sickie," with some schools allowing students to arrive later without penalty. Experts have cautioned about the risks of driving or performing physical work while exhausted, noting that reaction times can slow significantly after prolonged wakefulness. Industry sources indicate that approximately six million staff, nearly one in five employees, have taken annual leave, a figure three times higher than usual.
The victory avenges a painful memory for England, recalling the nation's heartbreak 40 years prior at the same stadium when Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal led to defeat in the 1986 World Cup.
In Mexico City, authorities deployed a significant police presence to manage potential public gatherings following the match. This follows an incident where four people died in a crowd crush at a previous Mexico match.
England manager Thomas Tuchel's side will face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Miami. The players' partners, Kate Kane and Megan Pickford, were present at the stadium to celebrate the hard-fought victory.