Three key moments as 'dream' Jordan Pickford helps England conquer Mexico at the Azteca

Everton star Jordan Pickford was in the thick of the action as England beat Mexico in a World Cup last-16 thriller at the Azteca Stadium.

The Three Lions had to deal with issues around adjusting to altitude, and a sublime Mexico record at the Azteca.

Jude Bellingham scored twice to have England on the way, but Julian Quinones put Mexico back in the game.

A red card for Jarell Quansah in the 54th minute threatened to derail Thomas Tuchel's men, but Harry Kane kept his cool from the spot after former Everton man Anthony Gordon was felled by Raul Rangel.

Captain Kane then gave away a contentious penalty of his own, which Raul Jimenez converted to reduce the deficit once again from the spot.

But England played out a valiant finale to win 3-2, to book their quarter-final date with Norway, and here are three moments where Pickford was influential in the victory.

Jordan Pickford answers his critics early doors in England vs Mexico

Pickford had copped for some criticism earlier in the tournament, especially in the come-from-behind last-32 win over DR Congo.

Some, harshly, felt that Pickford could have saved Martin Baturina's first goal for in Croatia in England's 4-2 win in the opening contest.

But even Pickford himself would admit he could have done more to save Brian Cipenga's near-post drive in the DR Congo victory.

So, it was a huge relief to see him make a big save low down to his left from Jimenez's diving header in the 15th minute, a moment that would set the tone for a wonderful performance.

Pickford sets tone for England's opener vs Mexico

It may have been forgotten in the madness of the game, just how influential Pickford was for England's opening goal.

Much of the credit, of course, will go to Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka for setting up Bellingham's 36th-minute opener.

But it should not be forgotten that it was Pickford's quick throw that allowed Rice to drive the Three Lions forward and score the opener.

It was a brilliant piece of quick thinking from Pickford, and it encapsulated a top-drawer performance from the Everton number one.

Special Pickford moment denies Jimenez again

Pickford could do little about Quinones reducing the deficit shortly before half-time, with England caught out from a free-kick routine.

But he was to thank big time for making sure Tuchel's men went into the break still with a 2-1 advantage.

Roberto Alvarado whipped a wonderful ball into the area that Jimenez headed towards the top-right corner, only for Pickford to claw it away wonderfully for a corner.

Speaking on BBC Sport's half-time coverage of the game, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart said: "This is a dream World Cup save on the biggest stage it really is.

"He’d already made an excellent save from Jimenez earlier in the game."

Pickford has once again answered his critics, and it's time they went away for good with the Three Lions.