Ten-man England defeat Mexico in World Cup classic as Tuchel salutes 'heroic' victory

The Three Lions had to cope with high altitude, a passionate home crowd and more than 45 minutes with 10 men, yet they still found a way to reach the last eight, where they will face Norway on Saturday.

Following a one-hour delay before kick-off, Mexico made the brighter start and nearly went ahead when Raul Jimenez powered a close-range header towards goal. Jordan Pickford reacted brilliantly to produce an outstanding save and keep England level.

England gradually settled into the contest and Anthony Gordon tested Raul Rangel before the visitors took control late in the first half.

Bukayo Saka delivered an inviting cross for Jude Bellingham, who headed England in front after 36 minutes. Just 95 seconds later, Bellingham struck again, collecting Harry Kane's pass before calmly finishing for his fourth goal of the tournament.

Mexico responded before half-time when Julian Quinones fired past Pickford to reduce the deficit, and England's goalkeeper was called into action again moments later to brilliantly tip another Jimenez header over the crossbar.

The match took another dramatic turn early in the second half. England were reduced to 10 men after Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a reckless challenge.

Despite the setback, Tuchel's side extended their lead on the hour mark. Gordon was brought down by Rangel inside the penalty area and Kane confidently converted the resulting spot-kick.

Mexico refused to give up and were awarded a penalty after another VAR intervention when Kane was judged to have committed a foul inside the box. Jimenez made no mistake from the spot to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finish.

The hosts poured forward during the closing stages, but England defended resolutely to secure a memorable victory and extend their unbeaten run to seven matches.

Tuchel admitted the result felt far bigger than a typical Round of 16 victory.

"I felt in the build-up it never felt like a Round of 16 match. It feels almost like we won a final when the referee blew the final whistle," he said.

"Forty or 50 minutes in altitude against the home country - this is a moment of joy. It was a heroic performance and a heroic result.

"I'm so happy for the players and also for myself to be part of this experience. To overcome all that adversity makes it very special."

The England manager revealed the celebrations were dampened by an injury to Jordan Henderson. The midfielder, who was an unused substitute, suffered a wrist injury after falling over an advertising board during the post-match celebrations and was taken to hospital.

"I'm exhausted and emotional," Tuchel added. "Jordan injured his wrist and it doesn't fit the evening that he is not with us. I don't know the procedure yet. The doctor told me he is in hospital."

Tuchel also said the victory helped erase painful memories of England's famous World Cup defeat to Argentina at the Azteca four decades ago.

"We had a very sad story with this stadium. We made peace with it today," he said.

Although England could meet Argentina in the semi-finals, Tuchel insisted his attention is firmly on Norway after Erling Haaland inspired them to a surprise victory over Brazil.

"I will not talk about the semi-final when we have just reached the quarter-final," he said. "Now we have the chance for a few days off. I will spend one full day without football and then we will focus on Norway."

Tuchel also criticised the officiating after Mexico's second penalty was awarded following a VAR review.

"Referees are just not good enough. The fourth officials are just not good enough. That's the bottom line," he said.

"VAR overturned the decision for the Mexico penalty. Was it a clear and obvious error? I don't think so."

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