Wayne Rooney has questioned England’s post-match celebrations after their dramatic World Cup victory over Mexico, insisting Thomas Tuchel’s players may have started partying too early.
The Three Lions booked their place in the quarter-finals after edging a pulsating 3-2 contest at the iconic Azteca Stadium, overcoming a hostile atmosphere, the challenges of high altitude and almost an entire half with 10 men.
It was one of England’s most memorable World Cup victories in recent years and sparked emotional scenes at the final whistle as players and staff celebrated reaching the last eight.
Footage later emerged from inside the dressing room showing England’s stars singing, dancing and applauding after the victory, with one light-hearted moment showing John Stones tricking Tuchel by pretending he had injured his shoulder before revealing it was all a joke.
The scenes prompted debate after they were shown during the BBC’s coverage of Spain’s dramatic victory over Portugal.
Rooney, England’s former captain and record goalscorer, admitted he would have approached the occasion differently.
“I’m a bit more old school,” he said.
“After you win anything… I know you’ve got to enjoy it but I think it’s a bit too soon.”
England’s celebrations came after an exhausting night in Mexico City.
Tuchel’s side had to dig deep after being reduced to 10 men, producing a resilient display to eliminate one of the tournament’s co-hosts in front of a passionate home support.
The result also represented a landmark achievement, with England becoming one of the few visiting nations to claim such a significant victory at the famous Azteca Stadium.
Not everyone shared Rooney’s view, however.
Former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta defended England’s celebrations, arguing that players have every right to enjoy such an emotional occasion before quickly turning their focus to the next challenge.
“As a player, when you have had these kinds of games against a host, this atmosphere, you have to enjoy it,” he said.
“Life is about balance, football is about balance, you have to enjoy it.
“Now they will recover and be ready for another game.”
There was a clear sense of relief among England’s players when the final whistle sounded in the early hours of Monday morning UK time.
England’s attention will now quickly switch to Saturday’s showdown with Norway, where another victory would move them within one match of a place in the World Cup final.
Norway have been in fine form so far and, on Sunday night, beat Brazil 2-1 to reach the last eight.
Erling Haaland scored twice before Neymar pulled one back via a late penalty.
