England Survive Mexico Scare, Tuchel Blasts Refereeing in World Cup Thriller

Thomas Tuchel did not hold back after England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16, launching a scathing attack on the match officials and hailing his team’s “heroic” mentality. Playing in front of a raucous Azteca crowd, England had to overcome a delayed kick-off due to thunderstorms, a red card for Jarell Quansah, and two penalty decisions that went to VAR. Despite the adversity, the Three Lions held on through 12 minutes of stoppage time to book a quarterfinal date with Norway. Quansah was shown a straight red in the 54th minute for a reckless sliding challenge after referee Alireza Faghani reviewed the incident on the monitor. England then got a penalty of their own when Anthony Gordon was brought down, and Harry Kane converted. But Faghani awarded Mexico a spot kick moments later after VAR spotted Kane’s foul on Brian Gutiérrez. Raúl Jiménez beat Jordan Pickford from the spot to set up a tense finale. “It’s just not good enough,” Tuchel told sources. “Referees are just not good enough. Fourth officials are just not good enough. Is that a clear and obvious mistake for their penalty? For sure not, but VAR gets involved. They overturn a situation where he doesn’t even give a foul. Not good enough.” England switched to a back five after going down to ten, with Dan Burn and Djed Spence introduced. They survived several scares, including a near own goal from John Stones in the 100th minute. “This doesn’t feel like a round-of-16 match, it feels like a final,” Tuchel added. “With ten men, altitude against a home country… this is a moment of joy and a heroic performance.” The win was overshadowed by an injury to Jordan Henderson, who was carried off needing oxygen after falling over advertising boards while celebrating. The FA confirmed he will not travel with the squad and will remain in Mexico City with a member of the medical staff. Tuchel said: “It looks really bad. He injured his wrist. Mixed feelings because I’m exhausted and emotional, and sad that Jordan is not with us.” England will face Norway on Saturday after Erling Haaland scored twice to eliminate Brazil.