Manager Thomas Tuchel described England's World Cup victory over Mexico as "heroic" after the 10-man Three Lions secured a dramatic 3-2 win in a challenging atmosphere at the Azteca Stadium. The win, achieved despite playing with a man down for nearly an hour at high altitude, was hailed by Tuchel as "one of their finest World Cup performances on foreign soil."
Goals from Jude Bellingham, who scored twice, and a penalty from Harry Kane were ultimately enough to seal the victory. England endured a furious fightback from the co-hosts, navigating 11 minutes of injury time and overcoming the second-half dismissal of Jarell Quansah. The match kickoff was also delayed for an hour.
"It feels almost like we won a final," Tuchel said after the match. "This last moment where the referee takes the whistle to his mouth - when you know that you overcame 50 minutes with 10 men in the altitude against the home country, against a strong, strong Mexican team - this is a moment of joy. It's a heroic performance and a heroic result. I'm so happy for the players. We found a way to win and we did it with pure mentality and heart, overcoming every obstacle thrown at us."
Tuchel believes the team delivered a "beautiful" moment for the nation, emphasizing their sheer will and guts. "It's almost impossible to overcome, but we did it," he explained. "They're exhausted on the next level, which is beautiful to see, because I think this gives a connection with the fans. They see at the whistle that they're almost too exhausted to celebrate, and this is just beautiful. Players that just give everything for the win and for the country and for that shirt. And just, just everyone keep that in mind, this is a special moment."
Despite the jubilation, Tuchel also expressed strong criticism regarding the standard of officiating, particularly concerning VAR decisions that went against England. "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."
Bellingham opened the scoring in the 36th minute and doubled England's lead 98 seconds later with a finish from a Kane pass. Mexico pulled one back before halftime, and despite Quansah's red card on 54 minutes for a challenge, Kane converted a penalty to restore England's two-goal cushion on the hour mark. Mexico was awarded a penalty later in the half, which Raul Jimenez converted, setting up a tense finale. England ultimately held on to secure the win.
Captain Harry Kane, substituted in the 90th minute, described the game as "crazy" and highlighted the team's determination. "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."
Adding to the drama, midfielder Jordan Henderson sustained an injury after an incident involving an advertising board and was taken off on a stretcher. "I am also sad because Jordan is injured," Tuchel said. "It's quite a serious injury with his wrist. The doctor told us he is in hospital."
Tuchel indicated he would not be looking ahead to the semi-final immediately, preferring to take time off before focusing on their next opponent, Norway. "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."
He also offered words of sympathy to the defeated Mexican team and fans, acknowledging their passion. "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. But I'm incredibly proud of my team and our achievements."