Jude Bellingham has emphasized that England’s recent victory over Mexico marks only the beginning of their quest to overcome a long-standing World Cup anguish. England defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic round of 16 match held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on July 6, 2026, delivering one of the most memorable performances in the country’s football history.

The match carried significant historical weight, as it was England’s first game at the Estadio Azteca since the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal contributed to England’s elimination. That moment has remained a symbolic hurdle for the England team for four decades.

Bellingham, who starred in the latest encounter, acknowledged the emotional significance of the victory but stressed that the memory of 1986 will only be fully expunged if England can continue their winning run and ultimately secure the World Cup title. “They went on and won it, so we are still a few games away from righting that wrong,” he said following the win.

Looking ahead, England will next face Norway in the quarter-finals, scheduled for July 10 in Miami. Bellingham underlined the importance of maintaining focus on the upcoming match despite the celebration. He described the team’s elation after the Mexico game and the determination to recover before preparing for their next opponent. “The performance was incredible tonight, we have to enjoy it. We will sing songs until we lose our voices on the plane. We will have a couple of days to recover and we will focus on Norway,” he added.

The outcome of the England versus Norway quarter-final will be a pivotal step in England’s pursuit of their first World Cup win since 1966, as the team seeks to move beyond historical setbacks and deliver on the high expectations forged by their recent performances.