Harry Kane was relieved, exhausted and frustrated after England’s wild World Cup victory over Mexico.
The England captain scored what proved to be the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 3-2 last-16 victory, but later found himself at the centre of another major decision when Mexico were awarded a penalty after his challenge in the box.
England survived the late pressure to reach the quarter-finals, but Kane made it clear afterwards that he felt the game had repeatedly gone against his side.
According to The Guardian’s live report, Kane said after the match: “It was a crazy game. We had to find something. The occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way.”
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Kane goes from scorer to culprit
The match changed dramatically in the second half.
England were already playing with 10 men after Jarell Quansah’s red card in the 54th minute, but Kane restored their two-goal lead six minutes later by converting a penalty to make it 3-1.
That should have given England breathing room.
Instead, Mexico were handed a way back into the match when Kane was penalised inside his own area. Raúl Jiménez scored from the spot in the 69th minute, cutting the lead to 3-2 and setting up a tense finish.
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Kane disagreed with the decision.
“I thought I got to the ball first,” he said, according to The Guardian.
He added: “It was one of those days the ref gave a lot against us. In the end it didn’t matter so I’m happy.”
England survive the Azteca storm
England had to defend deep for long periods after Mexico’s second goal.
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The co-hosts pushed hard in front of a huge home crowd, while Thomas Tuchel’s team dropped into a compact shape and relied on blocks, clearances and Jordan Pickford’s command of the penalty area.
According to The Guardian’s match report, England beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca after Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half and Kane added the decisive penalty after the break.
It was not a controlled England performance, but it was a resilient one.
The match had been delayed by thunderstorms, played at altitude and staged in one of the most hostile environments England could have faced at this tournament.
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That context made the result feel even bigger.
Refereeing frustration follows England win
The officiating became one of the main talking points after the final whistle.
Kane felt several calls went against England, while Tuchel was also unhappy with the referee’s overall handling of the match.
Quoted by The Guardian, Tuchel described the refereeing as: “Just not good enough.”
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Still, England had enough to get through.
They finished the match under enormous pressure, with Mexico producing 20 shots to England’s six. But the final score mattered more than the chaos that came before it.
Quarter-final place secured
The win sends England into the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Norway in Miami.
According to England Football’s official match centre, England were trying to reach the last eight for a third consecutive World Cup, something they had only previously done across the 1962, 1966 and 1970 tournaments.
They have now done exactly that.
For Kane, the night will be remembered for both his penalty and his frustration. For England, it may be remembered as the kind of chaotic knockout win that gives a team belief.
They did not have control.
They did find a way.
