Top News

Wayne Rooney has voiced his reservations about England's jubilant dressing-room celebrations that followed their thrilling 3-2 victory over World Cup co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium. The former England captain shared his perspective on the post-match scenes, which included defender John Stones humorously pretending to have suffered a shoulder injury to prank manager Thomas Tuchel.

Historic win at the Azteca

England booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals after an exhilarating 3-2 triumph against Mexico. Tuchel’s team displayed remarkable resilience, enduring the high altitude and a fiercely partisan crowd while playing the final 40 minutes with ten men following Jarell Quansah’s red card. The dramatic victory sparked exuberant celebrations in the dressing room, punctuated by Stones’ playful fake injury that briefly fooled his manager.

Rooney calls for restraint

Reacting to footage of the Three Lions’ celebrations aired during the BBC’s post-match show, former record goalscorer Rooney appeared uncomfortable and offered a more measured take. He remarked, “I’m a bit more old school. After you win anything… I know you’ve got to enjoy it but I think it’s a bit too soon.”

However, former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, appearing alongside Rooney as a pundit, disagreed with that view and backed the players’ right to celebrate. He commented, “As a player, when you’ve had these kinds of games against a host, in this atmosphere, you have to enjoy it. Life is about balance, football is about balance, you have to enjoy it. Now they will recover and be ready for another game.”

Records tumble in a dramatic night

England’s victory set a historic milestone as they became the first team ever to defeat Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in a World Cup match. The encounter was packed with drama, from Jude Bellingham’s quick-fire brace before half-time to Quansah’s sending-off, which made him the first Englishman dismissed at a World Cup since Rooney himself in 2006. The occasion’s intensity led to an outpouring of emotion at the final whistle, with captain Harry Kane celebrating so passionately with the travelling fans that he lost his voice.

Next up: Norway test

The result propels England into the quarter-finals, where they will face a formidable Norway side. Tuchel now has a defensive dilemma to solve, with Quansah suspended, forcing a reshuffle at the back. As England prepare for their next challenge, the coaching staff must help the squad refocus and recover, with Jordan Pickford’s outstanding form continuing to be crucial to their World Cup aspirations.