Bellingham double in 98 seconds puts England 2-0 up on Mexico

Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds to put England 2-0 ahead of Mexico in a weather-delayed World Cup round-of-16 tie at Mexico City Stadium. The goals came at 36 and 38 minutes, and England led 2-1 at halftime.

The first came from Bukayo Saka’s cross, which Bellingham met with a header from close range. The second arrived moments later after England recovered the ball in Mexico’s buildup, a turnover that left the home side exposed and allowed Harry Kane to slide the final pass into Bellingham’s path for a finish in the six-yard area. Mexico had built its tournament on control and defensive security, but one lapse in the exit phase handed England the opening to strike twice.

The gap between Bellingham’s two goals was 1 minute and 38 seconds. Only Toni Kroos, who scored two goals in 1 minute and 10 seconds in 2014, and Kylian Mbappé, who did it in 1 minute and 35 seconds in 2022, were quicker.

England and Mexico had met only once before in a World Cup, a 2-0 England win in 1966, and this was England’s first match at Mexico City Stadium in 40 years, since the 2-1 loss to Argentina in 1986. Javier Aguirre’s side had won its first four matches without conceding a goal. Bellingham’s double ended that run.