Jordan Pickford was outstanding as England booked their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a thrilling victory over Mexico
Jordan Pickford celebrates after England's win over Mexico
Jordan Pickford celebrates after England's win over Mexico(Image: (Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))
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Jordan Pickford silenced his critics and then praised England’s character after they overcame adversity to beat Mexico. On a wild night at Mexico City Stadium, the Three Lions set up a quarter-final showdown against Norway after edging out Javier Aguirre’s side in a five-goal thriller.
Jude Bellingham will rightly receive plaudits after he scored a brace to put his side 2-0 up, but Pickford more than played his part. The Everton goalkeeper made two excellent saves to deny Raul Jimenez in the first half and then dealt with everything thrown his way as his side hung on in the final quarter.
And reflecting on the victory, he admitted: “That was unreal. You'll never get moments like that again in football. Come to the Azteca, it is once in a lifetime. A bucket list memory. Everyone is 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 got to roll your sleeves up and dig in.
"It was an all-round gutsy togetherness performance. That is what we are. We're England and that's what we do.
"I was in the moment. We all know when we come into pressure situations, I have got that character where I step up and I have got that mindset where I feel unbelievable.
“That's why I put the hard work in on the training ground and away from the training ground. Moments like that you have got to enjoy."
After racing into a 2-0 lead, Mexico headed into the break with some hope after Julian Quinonez before Jarell Quansah was given his marching orders for a high challenge following a VAR review.
Jarell Quansah is shown a red card by referee Alireza Faghani
Jarell Quansah is shown a red card by referee Alireza Faghani (Image: (Yuri CORTEZ / AFP via Getty Images))
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However, match referee Alireza Faghani initially let play continue, but Jesus Gallardo lay injured as the Mexican staff and substitutes fumed on the touchline near the incident.
When the video assistant referee called Faghani to review the footage on his pitch-side monitor, it wasn’t long before the former Liverpool man was shown a straight red card.
England hit back when Kane made no mistake from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down. While Raul Jimenez dispatched his own spot kick following yet another VAR review, Tuchel’s side defended brilliantly to see the game out.
However, the drama was far from over, as Thomas Tuchel confirmed after the game that Jordan Henderson had suffered a serious wrist injury after falling over advertising hoardings during the final celebrations with England supporters, and had been taken to the hospital.
Dan Burn of England (R) tries to help his teammate Jordan Henderson who was injured amid the celebrations after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Mexico and England
Jordan Henderson suffered a freak injury after England's win over Mexico(Image: (Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images))
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“It just had everything that puts you on the edge of your seat, that's what football's about,” Pickford said. “It shows our togetherness and it was a special night.
"I think you saw the standard I set myself tonight in producing saves in big moments, coming for crosses, it's where I aim to be and keep improving. Big moments in big times, that's where I am.
"I'm one of the most experienced lads in the group and when called upon you've got to roll your sleeves up. It was a great game for me and that's a standard in itself."
Reflecting on his saves, the Blues star said: “There were two good ones. You talk about being in the right position as a goalkeeper.
Jordan Pickford in action for England against Mexico
Jordan Pickford in action for England against Mexico(Image: (MB Media/Getty Images))
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“Making that save, it was a good save, but I made it good because I was in the right position to make that save.
"To come here to the Azteca and put in a performance like that, I am proud. I was unsure whether to bring him, and I am glad I did. That's a moment he'll remember in his lifetime.
"It is great. Keep hitting numbers and keep doing stuff. It is a credit to myself. You know what my goal is: I am a team player and always have been. I don't care if I let two in, as long as we live tonight. We have got the next chapter."
While former Everton man Anthony Gordon admitted: "I think it probably won't kick in until this evening. To celebrate like we just did was once in a lifetime.
“We spoke about this being a once in a lifetime opportunity and atmosphere but it was also going to test us and it did in the worst way possible. We came through. That can't say any more about us.
"It was difficult. The altitude the first 20 minutes was difficult. We're good players, we play the top level, that's what we're paid to do. We knew it would be tough but big players, big moments.
"When we got a man sent off, I knew I'd have to be trustworthy and run more than ever. I'm a player where I want to be good at everything, whatever kind of game I'm in I can change the game. I try to do my best for the team and hopefully I've done that.
"We focus on the process, how we play, how we train. The outcome we can never control, but we can control how we react, how we train, and that's doing us well so far."