The Three Lions scored three goals in Mexico City but having played for the best part of 45 minutes with ten men, it was their defensive doggedness in front of a fervent home support and at altitude that will live long in the memory.

Kick-off was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms and with many wondering how England would fare more than 7000 feet above sea level, Thomas Tuchel’s side started calmly at the Azteca Stadium to try and take the sting out of the game.

Jordan Pickford was required to make a couple of fine saves from Raul Jimenez headers before Jude Bellingham netted twice in just 98 seconds with half-time on the horizon. Both were predatory finishes at the end of slick attacks.

Mexico halved England’s lead before the break courtesy of Julian Quinones’ close-range volley, and things took a turn for the worse on 54 minutes when Jarell Quansah – who started at right-back – was shown a straight red card.

However, England quickly restored their two-goal advantage. Anthony Gordon did well to win a penalty that Harry Kane converted with aplomb on the hour.

Kane then conceded a spot-kick for fouling Brian Gutierrez and Jimenez scored to set up a tense finale. Tuchel sent on Djed Spence and Dan Burn and went to a back five with defending their box the only ambition.

Mexico delivered cross after cross but couldn’t fashion any clear opportunities between Jimenez’s 69th-minute penalty and the referee blowing the final whistle after more than 11 minutes of stoppage time had been played.

England will now take on Norway - who beat Brazil 2-1 - in the quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday evening.