England now know exactly which sides stand between them and a place in the World Cup final on July 19. Thomas Tuchel’s side advanced to the quarter-finals following their victory over Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning, fully aware that considerably sterner challenges lie ahead.
The Three Lions delivered a stunning performance to defeat Mexico 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, battling through a fierce thunderstorm and punishing altitude conditions. Despite Jarell Quansah receiving a red card and Harry Kane conceding a penalty, England held firm to secure their spot in the last eight.
There, they will come face to face with Erling Haaland and Norway, who have already turned the tournament on its head. Haaland netted twice as the Scandinavian side stunned Brazil 2-1 to claim their quarter-final berth.
The winner of that tie might have been handed what many would consider a favourable draw on paper, had Egypt progressed. That prospect appeared increasingly likely when Egypt led 2-0 deep into Monday evening’s match, raising England’s hopes of sidestepping Lionel Messi and his Argentina side.
However, the South Americans had other ideas entirely, mounting a breathtaking 17-minute comeback to defeat their African opponents 3-2. Egypt had looked poised to pull off one of the most remarkable upsets in recent memory after Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko handed them a stunning two-goal advantage.
Argentina looked down and out until the 79th minute, when Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez all struck to complete a stunning comeback and secure their place in the next round.
England would have welcomed an Egypt victory, as it would have meant sidestepping Messi, who has been in scintillating form with eight goals in the competition.
They were originally expected to face Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Spain on their way to the final, but Norway’s triumph combined with an unlikely Egypt win would have presented a considerably smoother route on paper.
Norway demonstrated their credentials by eliminating five-time champions Brazil, so they are far from a side to be taken lightly — form and rankings mean nothing once the whistle blows. Similarly, Argentina must still negotiate a tie against Switzerland on Sunday to reach the last four.
The Swiss were pushed to extra time and ultimately penalties after a goalless 120 minutes against Colombia. Former Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji squandered his spot-kick, yet Switzerland prevailed 4-3 in the shootout after Davinson Sanchez and Cucho Hernandez both failed from 12 yards.