England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his side’s mentality after they beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday and reached the World Cup quarter-finals despite playing much of the second half with 10 men.
England looked in control after Jude Bellingham struck twice in two minutes to put them 2-0 ahead. Mexico changed the mood through Julian Quinones before Jarell Quansah’s red card turned the match into a survival job for England.
Tuchel focused on attitude and resilience after the final whistle.
“I am just proud of the mentality and attitude. Round of 32, round of 16 is the moment in the tournament when you find a way to win. We did it with pure mentality and heart.”
“We overcame every obstacle that was thrown at us. I am so proud of the mentality and the will of the team.”
Mexico drove forward after Quansah’s dismissal and the atmosphere inside the Azteca grew louder with every attack. Harry Kane’s penalty restored England’s two-goal lead, but Raul Jimenez pulled Mexico back into the contest from the spot.
England spent long periods without the ball during the closing stages but kept Mexico away from clear openings. They blocked crosses, crowded the penalty area and forced Mexico into rushed moments around goal.
Tuchel said the occasion felt bigger than a normal last-16 tie because of the setting and pressure around the match.
“It felt in the buildup not like a round of 16, it feels almost like we have won a final or something.”
“This last moment where the ref takes his whistle to his mouth and you know you overcame it, 40-50 minutes with 10 men in the altitude against the home country, against a strong, strong Mexican team, this is a moment of joy.”
England’s victory came with one concern. Jordan Henderson injured his wrist during post-match celebrations and went to hospital.
“I have mixed feelings also because I am exhausted and emotional and sad because Jordan got injured and injured his wrist. He is at the moment in the hospital. It is quite a serious injury.”
