Media outlets in Mexico have made their feelings about England clear after the two nations played out a classic World Cup tie at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday night.

A Jude Bellingham brace and Harry Kane penalty were enough for the Three Lions to eliminate one of the host nations on their own turf after a week of speculation around how they’d cope in the conditions. The altitude inside the famous ground turned out to be no problem.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were forced to work extremely hard by a team that breezed through the group stage and Round of 32 without conceding a single goal, but their attacking quality proved to be vital. Now, local media have weighed in on the 1966 winners.

REUTERS/Paul Childs

It was a close encounter which threatened to boil over at times due to the tense atmosphere inside the ground, but the press in Mexico have been full of praise for the English players.

Several outlets made sure to give credit to the opposition while expressing the disappointment of being beaten on home soil. Mediotiempo wrote (per Daily Record):

Speaking about Javier Aguirre’s efforts to throw the kitchen sink at 10-man England, they conceded that they were simply facing a ‘top team’. “He pinned the English back in their own half, but no one could provide the spark of creativity needed to break down a top team, and it all ended as it began: just a dream.”

The Mexican Record were even more complimentary of specific players in the Three Lions’ line-up. “It wasn’t South Africa. Nor Korea or the Czech Republic. Not even Ecuador. It was a world champion, the team with the most powerful league on the planet,” they wrote.

Kane and Bellingham were among the handful of players singled out for praise: “A team with the legendary Harry Kane. With stars like Bellingham, man of the match, or Saka, or Rice. Even Pickford shone.”

Jude Bellingham Praised For Actions After England Win

Henry Romero via Reuters

In addition to his star power on the pitch, Bellingham specifically has captured the imagination of Mexicans for his gesture after the game. He has been praised by El Universal for his actions, which ‘touched many hearts’.

A video quickly emerged online of Bellingham comforting 17-year-old wonderkid Gilberto Mora. The youngster asked to swap shirts with the Real Madrid ace, who responded by saying: “Give me yours too.”

The Mexican outlet appreciated the Englishman taking the time to acknowledge the rising star amid his country’s celebrations: “Undoubtedly, a gesture to applaud from the English player, who, full of euphoria and joy at qualifying for the quarter-finals, took the time to acknowledge the Mexican gem, who played a good game.”

Tottenham are said to be working on another deal after all-but wrapping up the club-record Sandro Tonali transfer. Spurs are spending £100million for the Newcastle United midfielder when add-ons are accounted for, and it makes for a record transfer window for the North London club, who have now spent more than £230million.

The spending will not stop there, either, with Roberto De Zerbi set to get even more money to spend before the window is out. Spurs appear to want a winger and potentially a striker, and it looks as though the spending total will soar beyond the £300million-mark when all is said and done.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are now eyeing another Premier League star after signing the Tonali documents.

Spurs still want long-term winger target

via Reuters

According to Romano, Spurs are still hot on Manchester City winger Savinho, who they have been tracking for some time. “And let me tell you, don’t forget also the name of Savinho,” Romano said on his latest YouTube show.

“I always told you Savinho remains a target for Tottenham and Savinho is a target for Tottenham. Then this in terms of timing will depend on several things – the transfer fee, Manchester City movements.

“So, there are a few details before we can say, okay, Tottenham are close to completing the Savinho deal. But the deal is still on. Tottenham have not stopped thinking about Savinho.

“So, remember also him after Sandro Tonali, after Mateus Fernandes, after Senesi, after Robertson, after Dubravka, because Roberto De Zerbi and the team are very busy on the market.”

City are said to be asking for a fee somewhere between £50million and £60million to sell Saviho this summer.

Savinho can be ‘unstoppable’

Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Speaking earlier this year, now former Man City boss Pep Guardiola said: “At that age, in the one-against-one, he is unstoppable. When we finish the final product, he will be a top, top class player.”

He also said of the winger last season: “What I like from Savinho is always he is digging, go, go, go, all the time. The final decision can be better, of course, but always I reward this work ethic and especially because he goes and he goes all the time.”

Savinho, who is still only 22 years of age, made 24 Premier League appearances for City last season, managing one goal and two assists. Last term was a down season for the Brazilian, though, and he managed 10 assists in the Premier League the previous season.

England have advanced to the last eight of the 2026 World Cup following a hard-fought victory against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Fans have been full of praise for the entire team, but one unsung hero has received another level of acclaim.

Jude Bellingham netted a first-half double before Harry Kane smashed home a penalty to secure the thrilling 3-2 victory to knock out the home nation on their home turf. Both men have been the stars of the Three Lions’ campaign so far, but they needed their teammates to elevate to their level against Mexico.

That’s exactly what happened. Every man in white left the pitch with significant credit in the bank after digging deep to overcome the perceived disadvantage of the altitude in Mexico City. Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon typified the energy on display.

England Star Puts in Impressive World Cup Display

Paul Childs via Reuters

Gordon, who left Newcastle United to join the Spanish giants earlier this summer, wrestled back his starting place from Marcus Rashford after an impressive substitute cameo against DR Congo. Tuchel’s decision to restore the scouser on the left flank more than paid off.

The 25-year-old played the full match and never stopped running, which was even more vital after Jarell Quansah’s red card. While his passing accuracy (64%) and dribbling success rate (two out of six) weren’t the best, his hard-working nature didn’t allow the Mexican defenders to rest.

He played one key pass, had one shot on target and won the penalty, which eventually produced the winning goal. Gordon’s efforts off the ball were perhaps more impressive than anything he did with it. But it still counts the same.

Gordon Heralded For ‘World-Class’ Performance

Paul Childs via Reuters

England supporters were quick to praise Gordon’s efforts on social media. One even went as far as saying it was the ex-Newcastle attacker’s best-ever game: “Anthony Gordon is having the game of his life, wow.”

“Gordon has been incredible. From his biggest critic – you are the b******* mate,” another usually critical fan stated. An ecstatic supporter labelled the winger an ‘animal’, saying: “Gordon has been an animal in this game.”

Perhaps the biggest compliment he received on social media was that he was ‘world-class’ on the night. “Anthony Gordon, this is just unbelievable from you, man. Like, I cannot believe how good he’s been out there. Beyond world-class tonight.”

His work rate and never-say-die attitude was clearly appreciated, as another X user said: “Anthony Gordon has 17 lungs,” due to his constant running.

Statistics in this article are courtesy of SofaScore. Correct as of 06-07-26.