England midfielder Jude Bellingham scored two goals in less than two minutes during the first half of the World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Monday.
The Real Madrid star silenced the crowd of nearly 90,000 Mexican fans by finding the back of the net twice within a 90-second span, putting Thomas Tuchel's side ahead 2-0 by the 38th minute.
Mexico quickly responded four minutes later when breakout star Julian Quinones scored to cut England's lead to 2-1 before halftime.
The high-stakes knockout match featured intense early action, including an incredible save by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford against Mexican forward Raul Jimenez.
Meanwhile, England midfielder Declan Rice narrowly avoided a red card early in the contest, which followed a previous round where Ecuador's Piero Hincapie was sent off against Mexico.
Prior to the match, squad selection decisions surrounding the English team drew significant media attention, particularly regarding the omission of Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer.
The winger remained at home alongside Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold despite public calls from football pundits for their inclusion in the tournament roster.
Speaking about the situation, Palmer expressed his perspective on missing out after coming off a season where he recorded 10 Premier League goals and one assist following an injury struggle.
"I'm watching it where I can.
I'm enjoying my holidays and doing different things, but when I'm chilling then, yeah, if a game is on I'll watch it," said Cole Palmer.
The Chelsea player admitted that missing the tournament was difficult but remained accepting of the managerial decisions made by Tuchel, who opted for an attacking midfield lineup featuring Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, and Eberechi Eze.
"Well, of course I do [wish I was part of the squad].
Every player that plays football wants to be at the World Cup, but it's a decision that I cannot change and a hard one, for whatever reason.
But I'm just trying to enjoy the summer off — the first summer I've ever had off," said Cole Palmer.
Former international players raised concerns about the squad depth following England's recent 0-0 draw against Ghana in the group stage.
Television pundit Wayne Rooney specifically highlighted the absence of creative options in tight matches during the tournament broadcasts.
"I don't want to go back to it, but these games are when you need a Phil Foden or a Cole Palmer.
Clever players in tight areas," said Wayne Rooney.
Responding to the public backing from figures like Rooney and Jamie Carragher, Palmer acknowledged the compliments regarding his potential contributions to the national team dynamic.
"Yeah, of course it's nice, but I'm not there. I know what I could have offered, you know – something different to what the manager has picked.
But like I said before, I can't change the decision and I wish everyone all the best," said Cole Palmer.
England reached the Round of 16 phase after defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 courtesy of a goal from Harry Kane, following calls from Tuchel to maintain composure.
Mexico advanced to the knockout stage after eliminating Ecuador in their final group stage match.
