The Three Lions overcame Jarell Quansah's red card to record a 3-2 victory against the co-hosts at the daunting Azteca Stadium on Sunday (05.07.26) and the coach was effusive in praise of his team as they secured one of their most famous results at the tournament.

Tuchel said: "A heroic performance and a heroic result. I’m so happy with the players, and also for me, to live this experience in the last two days. Such a special memory, and against all the adversity it makes it very special for us.

"If a team has heart and belief then it’s this team. They did it on pure will. No words. Iconic match, iconic stadium, we overcame so much adversity today."

Tuchel was particularly pleased with how his players dealt with the build-up to the game as they became the first visiting team to beat Mexico at the Azteca in 2013.

He said: "I felt in the buildup that it never felt like a round-of-16 game. It still doesn’t, it feels like we won a final or something.

"The round of 16 is the moment in the tournament when you find a way to win. We did it with full mentality and heart. I’m so proud of the mentality and the way of this team. It’s a very special night for us.

"Of course [the players] are exhausted, on the next level, which is beautiful to see because even this gives a connection with the fans."

However, Tuchel was less impressed with the referee's decision to dismiss Quansah for a foul on El Tri's Jesus Gallardo.

The German coach said: "Just not good enough, the referees are just not good enough, fourth officials are just not good enough, that’s the bottom line.

"He didn’t even give the foul [by Quansah], he didn’t even overturn a yellow to a red. They overturn a situation where he doesn’t even give a foul.

"It’s crazy, another right-sided defender out. Jarell is very upset of course, it’s disappointing and a setback."