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FIFA
England players including captain Harry Kane celebrating win over Mexico. Photo: FIFA World Cup/X

'Referee gave a lot against us': Harry Kane reacts after England's dramatic win over Mexico

| @indiablooms | Jul 06, 2026, at 12:03 pm

Mexico City/IBNS: England captain Harry Kane hailed his team's resilience after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Mexico secured a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Mexico City Stadium on Sunday.

Kane, who scored from the penalty spot, praised the fighting spirit of the squad following a dramatic Round of 16 clash that saw England overcome a late Mexican fightback despite being reduced to 10 men.

Kane hails England's fighting spirit

Taking to X after the match, Kane wrote: "It doesn’t get much better than that! Guts and courage from every single member of this squad. Proud of this team!"

England skipper questions refereeing decisions

Speaking after the match, Kane, who admitted he had lost his voice, also questioned several refereeing decisions during the high-intensity encounter, which featured two penalties, one red card and two yellow cards.

"I am speechless. We had to find something. It was one of those days when the referee gave a lot against us, but in the end it didn't matter, so I am happy," Kane said.

Thanks fans for unwavering support

Kane also expressed his gratitude to the England supporters who turned up in large numbers for the knockout clash.

"Unbelievable support," he said, thanking the crowd.

Bellingham puts England in command

After a one-hour delay due to thunderstorms in Mexico City, England seized control of the match through Bellingham, who struck twice in quick succession in the first half to stun the home crowd.

Mexico pulled one back before the break through Julián Quiñones, ensuring the hosts remained firmly in the contest heading into halftime.

Red card shifts momentum

England's task became significantly tougher early in the second half when defender Jarell Quansah was shown a red card, reducing the visitors to 10 men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, England restored their two-goal cushion after Kane calmly converted a penalty.

Mexico fight back, Pickford stands tall

Mexico refused to surrender and narrowed the deficit once again when Raúl Jiménez converted from the penalty spot, setting up a tense finale.

The hosts piled on relentless pressure in the closing stages, but England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a string of crucial saves to preserve the lead.

England eventually held on for a 3-2 victory to progress to the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway.

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