Thomas Tuchel hailed his England team after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium, describing the win as feeling 'almost like we won a final.' The friendly match, played on July 6, 2026, saw England secure a rare triumph on Mexican soil, with goals from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham either side of a Mexican equalizer.
Tuchel’s Reaction to the Victory
Speaking after the match, Tuchel said: 'It feels almost like we won a final. To come to this stadium and beat a strong Mexico side is a huge achievement. The players showed incredible character and resilience.' The German manager, who took charge of England in 2025, emphasized the importance of the result for team morale. 'This gives us belief that we can compete with the best in the world, especially in difficult environments,' he added.
Match Highlights
England took the lead in the 23rd minute when Harry Kane converted a penalty after a foul on Bukayo Saka. Mexico responded strongly and equalized through a header from Raul Jimenez just before half-time. The second half saw England dominate possession, and the winner came in the 67th minute when Jude Bellingham curled a superb shot into the top corner from outside the box. The Azteca crowd of over 80,000 was silenced as England held on for a famous win.
Historic Context
The victory was England’s first at the Azteca Stadium since 1997, ending a 29-year wait. The Azteca is known for its high altitude and passionate fans, making it a daunting venue for visiting teams. Mexico had lost only three of their previous 20 home matches before this encounter. Tuchel acknowledged the difficulty: 'The conditions are tough, but the players adapted well. It’s a testament to their professionalism.'
Impact on World Cup Preparations
With the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico just months away, the win provides a significant psychological boost for England. They are drawn in Group B alongside Senegal, Iran, and the United States. Tuchel said: 'Matches like this prepare us for the pressure of a tournament. We need to keep building on this performance.' England’s next friendly is against Brazil at Wembley later this month.
