German pro football manager, Thomas Tuchel, has hailed his team, England, after they dumped out Mexico of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 3-2 win in the Round of 16 on Monday in Mexico City.
In his post-Mexico comments, the former Bayern Munich manager told England Football, “I am very proud”, saying, the Three Lions “overcame so much adversity” in the showdown against the tournament co-hosts.
Despite losing Bayer Leverkusen defender, Jarell Quansah, some minutes (54′) after the break, England “refused to give in” and went ahead to emerge victorious and secure their place in the quarter finals.
It was Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham, that inspired the victory in Mexico City with his brace, with The Tri in charge of the clash all through, but England held on.
Tuchel, who coached Paris Saint-Germaine (PSG) from 2018 to 2020, said, England “can play much better”, adding, “there is still a disconnect from us”.
Reacting to England’s win over Mexico, Tuchel said:
On the game…
“I am very proud. We needed everything. It was super difficult. 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.
“I have no words, an iconic match in an iconic stadium and we overcame so much adversity today. Full credit, very proud.”
On improvement…
“I think we can play much better; there’s a lot we can do better. There is still a disconnect from us and the best version of us that I see, to what we actually put on the pitch in terms of football performance, ball possession and finding spaces.
“There’s still a disconnect, but there’s no disconnect in commitment and doing what is needed to overcome anything that is thrown at this team; it’s a team everyone can be really proud of.
“Everyone is exhausted; everyone knows that it was a crazy match of football in a crazy atmosphere. We were up against all odds. Everything went against us and we just refused to give in.”
England will face Norway in the quarter finals of the World Cup 2026 on Saturday 11 July, 2026 at 22:00 (WAT) in Miami, US.
Harry Kane, who netted the winner for the Three Lions from the penalty spot in the 60th minute, described the victory as “one of England’s greatest ever wins”.
The Bayern Munich forward said, he is “proud” to represent his country; he added, the Three Lions are celebrating their victory and “get ready for the next one”.
Kane said: “I think it’s got to go down as one of England’s greatest ever wins.
“Considering the circumstances, the knockout [stages] of the World Cup, and just the way we’ve done it. We’re very proud to represent England and wear this badge and you can only prove that by doing what we’ve done today.
“So, for now, we just enjoy the celebrations and get ready for the next one.”
Photo: England head coach, Thomas Tuchel
