Thomas Tuchel saluted England’s “heroic” effort after the 10-man Three Lions produced one of their most memorable World Cup displays away from home, edging Mexico 3-2 in a pulsating contest that eventually quietened a roaring Azteca Stadium.
A dazzling Jude Bellingham struck twice, while Harry Kane kept his nerve from the penalty spot, as England did just enough to survive a fierce late response from the co-hosts on an unforgettable night in Mexico City.
Even with an hour-long delay to kick-off, Jarell Quansah’s second-half red card and 11 minutes of stoppage time to endure, England somehow stood firm against a relentless Mexican surge in the thin air to secure a quarter-final showdown with Erling Haaland’s Norway in Miami.
An emotional Tuchel said his players had created a “beautiful” moment for the country, praising the determination, resilience and sacrifice shown as they poured everything into the rain-soaked Azteca pitch.
Thomas Tuchel celebrates England’s brilliant 3-2 victory over Mexico at the World Cup
Tuchel has suggested Harry Kane should call Donald Trump to cancel Jarell Quansah’s ban
“It’s almost impossible to overcome, but we did it,” Tuchel said. “They are exhausted on another level, and that is beautiful to see because I think it creates a bond with the supporters. At the final whistle, you could see they were almost too drained to celebrate. That is beautiful — players giving absolutely everything for the victory, for the country and for the shirt. Everyone should remember this. It is a special moment.”
Kane had earned praise from Donald Trump during the match, and Tuchel was later asked whether the England captain might consider speaking to the US president after Trump’s intervention helped suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match red-card ban — potentially seeking the same outcome for Quansah.
‘That’s not a bad place to start,’ the German joked.
Bellingham stooped to power a header home on 36 minutes and was at it again 98 seconds later, slotting home a Kane pass.
The hosts hit back when Julian Quinones hammered into the roof of the net before the break. In an equally frenetic second-half the unfortunate Quansah was given a straight red for a challenge on Jesus Gallardo on 54 minutes. Despite the dismissal Kane slammed home a penalty on the hour mark but the Bayern Munich man gave one away when he clipped the foot of Brian Gutierrez and Raul Jimenez made no mistake on an electric night with 21 minutes still to play. England quelled green wave after green wave and a staggering 11 minutes to finally prevail.
While he was delighted, Tuchel did launch a fierce broadside at the standard of officiating after two major decisions went against England following VAR reviews.
‘Not good enough,’ he told the BBC. ‘Referees are just not good enough. Fourth officials are just not good enough. That is the bottom line. VAR today, I think I saw three people from South America are on there. If this is what I saw and it is correct. Is it a clear and obvious error for the mistake for the penalty? For sure not. He did not even give the foul, did not overturn a yellow. The referees are not good enough. Fourth officials not good enough.’
Meanwhile a breathless Kane, substituted on 90 minutes, could barely speak at full-time.
‘It was a crazy game,’ he said. ‘We had to fight and we had to find something. I’ve just been singing, I can’t really talk. The occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way.’
Amid the celebrations there was one casualty when Jordan Henderson came a cropper after vaulting an advertising board and was carried off on a stretcher.
Tuchel and Harry Kane revel in England’s victory at the Azteca Stadium
‘I am also sad because Jordan is injured,’ said Tuchel. ‘It’s quite a serious injury with his wrist. The doctor told us he is in hospital.’
Tuchel was also asked if, following Norway, he would like to take on Argentina in the semi-final.
‘I will not talk about the semi-final, my friend,’ he said. ‘Now, we have the chance for some days off and I tell you something: I will not re-watch our match, and I will not watch anything about Norway in the next 24 hours. I will do one full day without football. And then we will think about Norway. We’ll take it step-by-step.’
The England head coach also had some kind words for the defeated co-hosts.
‘I almost should say sorry that you’re out, because I saw the passion and emotion of all the people on the side of the streets today and yesterday, and from the bus,’ he said. ‘But I’m incredibly proud of my team and our achievements.’ A bleary-eyed, excited nation will agree.
