Thomas Tuchel tears into Mexico vs England match officials as Jude Bellingham makes pointed remark

Thomas Tuchel has claimed the referee was ‘not good enough’ during England’s win over Mexico on Sunday night.

The Three Lions won 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca to set up a quarter-final clash with Norway.

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Tuchel’s side held on for victory despite playing more than half an hour with 10 men.

It came after Jarell Quansah was sent off following a VAR review for a challenge on Jesus Gallardo.

Referee Alireza Faghani had initially waved play on and not awarded a foul for the tackle.

However, replays showed Quansah’s foot rolled over the ball and caught Gallardo on his ankle.

Following a VAR review, the defender became only the fourth England player ever to be sent off at the World Cup.

Mexico were also later awarded a penalty by VAR for a challenge on Brian Gutierrez inside the 18-yard box.

Tuchel slams referee

Tuchel was far from impressed with the officiating at the final whistle despite England reaching the quarter-finals.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he singled out the referee whilst discussing Quansah’s red card.

The Three Lions boss explained: “I saw the tackle live on the sideline. I think it is a tough tackle. There’s no need for this kind of tackle.

“Later on VAR on the screen, I saw that the leg is quite high, but I think there’s no risk of an injury.

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“I still struggle with the decision because there’s no foul given and then it goes straight into a red.

“The penalty, I think VAR can never get involved in a penalty like this. This is never a clear and obvious error.

“I think they jumped into this, rushed into these decisions and gave them against us, which made it really, really, really difficult. That’s my view on it.

“I think in general, the referee was not good enough today and fourth official is just not good enough.”

His stance was later echoed by Jude Bellingham, who refrained from revealing his true feelings on the refereeing display.

Bellingham said: “I will not speak about the referee because I want to play in the next match.”

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Heated exchange

Tuchel had also exchanged words with the fourth official in the technical area during the match.

He added: “Two fourth officials now and they cannot control benches. Everything they do is scream at me if I’m one foot out of my coaching zone.

“This is now the main concern of everyone here instead of taking care of the game. It’s just not good enough.”

Quansah’s dismissal had forced Tuchel to turn to his bench with his second half substitutes starring in a spirited defensive display after going down to 10 men.

John Stones, Dan Burn and Djed Spence all came into the defence during the final 35 minutes.

Tuchel continued: “The substitutes just sum it up. The way John Stones comes in here, the way Dan Burn comes in here and heads these balls away, the mentality, Djed Spence shows up today, Morgan Rogers digs in the last 15 minutes. It’s just one of a kind.

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“There’s so much to love about this team. I know we can play better. I’m the first one to want us to play better and more clinical in the passing, more rhythm, whatever.

“But as a fan, there’s so much to love because they just leave everything out there. I think that is the beauty of it.”

Henderson update

He also provided an update on Jordan Henderson after the midfielder suffered a freak injury at the final whistle.

Henderson fell when trying to jump over a pitchside advertising hoarding.

When asked what his plans are next, Tuchel admitted: “I don’t know. I’m actually a bit torn in my emotions. I’m exhausted. I’m unbelievably proud, so happy, tired.

“Then we have an injury now at the end of the match with Jordan Henderson, who needs to go to hospital and has a wrist injury that is quite serious. So I’m sad and concerned about that. It’s just a big mix.

“The chances are very likely that I will not speak for the next 24 hours and just close the curtains, go to bed and sleep for 24 hours.”