England defeated Mexico in a five-goal thriller at the Azteca Stadium to advance to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, but there were a couple of casualties along the way.

First, Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high challenge on an opposition player, meaning the ex-Liverpool man would be ruled out of the next game. Then, Jordan Henderson was involved in a freak accident following the full-time whistle. The midfielder had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher, with Thomas Tuchel quite downbeat about his condition.

But it wasn’t only a tough night for the Three Lions. Mexico became the second of the three host nations to crash out of the competition on home soil. And had they advanced to the next round, one of their bigger names would’ve likely been watching from the sidelines.

Mexico Star Suffers Nasty Injury in Heartbreaking Loss

Daniel Becerril via Reuters

Mexico’s manager, Javier Aguirre, threw caution to the wind in search of an equaliser against 10-man England. As a result, he introduced as many attacking players as possible as the opposition soaked up the pressure.

One of those positive substitutions was bringing on AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez for 17-year-old Gilberto Mora in the 61st minute. However, the change didn’t have the desired impact and the striker failed to get involved.

To make matters worse, Gimenez was unable to take part in the final moments of stoppage time and could be seen lying at the side of the pitch in severe pain. The 25-year-old was quickly taken to hospital after the full-time whistle, according to The Sun.

He had been chasing down the ball but was challenged by England’s Djed Spence. While the defender got the ball perfectly, Gimenez’s ankle could be seen twisting awkwardly.

He left the stadium on a stretcher and was taken to get checked over in a southern Mexico facility, as his manager confirmed: “We need to check Santi because he is at the hospital right now.”

He Joins Jordan Henderson in Hospital

REUTERS/Henry Romero

As the players and staff enjoyed the massive win with the travelling support inside the iconic Mexican stadium, Henderson had attempted to jump back over the advertising boards when he landed awkwardly.

Medical staff rushed over to see to the unused substitute. who was then placed on a stretcher and given oxygen. Thomas Tuchel confirmed Henderson had suffered a ‘serious’ wrist injury. The extent of the knock is currently unknown, but the England boss said:

Thomas Tuchel did not hold back when speaking about the officials after England’s dramatic victory over Mexico in their 2026 World Cup last 16 match.

England picked up a historic victory at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday evening as they defeated the co-hosts 3-2.

The Three Lions went into the break leading 2-1, with Jude Bellingham scoring a brace. England’s chances of victory took a major blow early in the second half when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card.

Despite the man disadvantage, Harry Kane restored England’s two-goal lead via the penalty spot, only for Raul Jimenez to get Mexico back in it when Mexico were given a penalty of their own.

Mexico threw everything they had at England for the remainder of the match, but they could not find an equaliser as England held on to book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Thomas Tuchel Rages at Officials After England’s Victory vs Mexico

REUTERS/Paul Childs

Despite England’s victory, Tuchel was not happy at all with the officials, and he made his feelings very clear in his post-match interview with the BBC.

He said: “It’s just not good enough. The referees are just not good enough, fourth officials are just not good enough. That’s the bottom line.

Tuchel also praised his side, adding: “If a team has heart and belief, then it’s this team. They did it on pure will. I have no words. That’s an iconic match, an iconic stadium. We overcame so much adversity today. Very proud.”

He also gave an update on Jordan Henderson, who suffered a ‘really bad’ injury during England’s post-match celebrations. On the Brentford star, he said: “Not good, not good, next thing is a right defender now with the red card, Jordan just fell over an injured his wrist, it looks really bad.”

Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

BBC Sport pundit Joe Hart came to the defence of referee Alireza Faghani following Tuchel’s comments. He said:

Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney disagreed with Hart, though, with the former saying that ‘he did not mind’ Tuchel’s comments and the latter stating the 52-year-old was creating an ‘us against the world’ mentality.

England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals of the competition. Stale Solbakken’s side beat Brazil 2-1 on Sunday afternoon, with Erling Haaland netting a brace. The match will take place at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 11, with kick-off set for 10pm BST.

Jordan Henderson was stretchered off after suffering a freak injury following England’s historic victory over Mexico at the 2026 World Cup.

After battling past DR Congo in the last 32, England were drawn to face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

A lot of talk going into the match was about how the Three Lions would cope with the altitude and how they would fare playing in such a hostile atmosphere.

England rose to the task with flying colours as they secured a dramatic victory. Jude Bellingham notched a brace and Harry Kane got on the scoresheet as Thomas Tuchel’s side, who were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Jarrel Quansah was shown a straight red card, held on to triumph 3-2.

Jordan Henderson Suffers Injury in Post-Match Celebrations

REUTERS/Henry Romero

There was concern for Henderson after he suffered a nasty injury during England’s celebrations.

Henderson, despite not coming on to the bench, was extremely animated on the touchline during the final stages of the match. He picked up a booking for his behaviour on the sidelines.

After the referee blew the full-time whistle, the Brentford midfielder sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate alongside England’s players.

However, he suffered a wrist injury after falling over the advertising hoardings during England’s celebrations. According to the Mirror, his teammates appeared to form a huddle around him as he received treatment from medics.

He was later taken away on a stretcher and given oxygen. Footage has now emerged showing how he suffered the injury.

Thomas Tuchel Speaks Out On Henderson’s Injury

REUTERS/Paul Childs

Jude Bellingham spoke out about Henderson’s injury following the match. He said:

Harry Kane, who struggled to speak in his post-match interview after losing his voice, said: “Jordan [Henderson] just fell over there, I think he’s okay, just something to do with his arm.”

Boss Tuchel also provided a worrying update, saying: “Not good, not good, next thing is a right defender now with the red card, Jordan just fell over an injured his wrist, it looks really bad.”

Henderson has played just six minutes for England at the 2026 World Cup, playing six minutes in his side’s victory over Panama in the group stage.

England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals of the competition. Erling Haaland scored a brace as the Scandinavian side defeated Brazil 2-1 at New York New Jersey Stadium. It’s currently unclear whether Henderson will be available to play.