Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
England World Cup win talk has exploded after Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash at Estadio Azteca.
Jude Bellingham scored twice, Harry Kane added a penalty and Jordan Pickford made key saves as England reached the quarter-finals, where they will face Erling Haaland’s Norway.
The result followed another major tournament storyline, with Mauricio Pochettino defending FIFA’s Folarin Balogun decision.
Rooney Says England Can Dream
Wayne Rooney called the victory one of England’s great World Cup performances after they survived for much of the second half with 10 men.
“That was one of the greatest results, performances. They showed attitude, grit, desire, everything you would have wanted an England team to show they showed tonight,” Rooney said on BBC One.
“This has shown we have a team who are capable of winning the World Cup,” he said.
Alan Shearer also felt the match could change England’s tournament mood.
“This was a standout performance, a performance that can carry them forward and give them belief that they can go on and do something in this competition.”
Bellingham Answers Doubters
Bellingham’s brace silenced much of the debate around his role in Tuchel’s side.
The Real Madrid midfielder became the first non-Mexican player to score twice at Estadio Azteca since Diego Maradona in the 1986 semi-final.
“Big games call for big personalities and there’s not many bigger than him [Jude Bellingham],” Stephen Warnock said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Bellingham also had a message for England supporters after the match.
“Have another shot and text your bosses to say you’re not coming in tomorrow,” Bellingham told the BBC.
Pickford And Tuchel Earn Praise
Pickford was vital late, denying Raul Jimenez and attacking crosses as England protected the lead.
Joe Hart said Pickford “has played a starring role yet again in a knockout game for England.”
Tuchel’s switch to a back five also worked, with Dan Burn helping England defend repeated balls into the box.
Official tournament updates are available through FIFA.
