‘We left everything out there’

Jordan Pickford punched away a million corners, Jarell Quansah was sent off, Jordan Henderson was stretchered off after toppling over the advertising hoardings. Harry Kane had a penalty appeal waved away. And somehow, in the cauldron of the Estadio Azteca, England held on.

3-2 victors, 10 men against 11, in the most hostile atmosphere at this World Cup. England are in the quarter-finals.

Jude Bellingham’s quickfire brace in the first half had England in dreamland, before Julian Quinones’ stunning volley pulled one back for the co-hosts.

Kane’s penalty on the hour made it 3-1, but Quansah’s VAR-awarded red card and a Raul Jimenez spot-kick in the 69th minute set up a frantic finish that tested every nerve in every England body.

Tuchel was barely able to contain himself at the final whistle: “Very proud,” he said. “We needed everything. It was super difficult. In the moments we thought we catch the momentum, we had setbacks. That is proper mentality.”

The England manager reserved his highest praise for the character of his players under pressure. “This team really mean it. When the going gets tough, they never give up, they never lose belief. It was one step more. We need to take this in.

“This is Azteca, it’s Mexico, a crazy game. We left everything out there, every single one of us. Now it’s full steam ahead.”

Hoarse Kane full of pride

Kane, still hoarse from belting out songs in the dressing room, was equally emotional pitchside. “It was a crazy game,” the captain said. “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.”

The Bayern Munich striker had a penalty shout turned down during the second half in what was a contentious afternoon for the officials, but he refused to dwell on it.

“I thought I got to the ball first – it was one of those days. The ref gave a lot against us. In the end it didn’t matter so I’m happy.”

England’s travelling support, who had filled every inch of the Azteca allocation and made themselves heard above one of the most intimidating home crowds in world football, drew a special mention from their captain. “Incredible, unbelievable support,” Kane said. “Speechless.”

The one sour note came late on when Henderson, booked earlier in the second half for arguing with the referee, tumbled over the advertising hoardings in stoppage time and required treatment before being helped off. Kane quickly reassured fans that it was nothing serious. “Jordan just fell over there. I think he’s okay, just something to do with his arm.”

England will face Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami next Saturday, a side who knocked out Brazil in the Round of 32 on Erling Haaland’s two late goals.