Jude Bellingham refused to discuss the referee after England's dramatic 3-2 World Cup victory over Mexico, stating he did not want to risk a ban for the quarter-final against Norway. The Real Madrid star scored twice in two minutes to put England 2-0 ahead in the first half at the Azteca Stadium, but the match was marred by controversial officiating decisions.
Match Overview
England advanced to the quarter-finals after a thrilling encounter that saw a penalty awarded to both sides and Jarell Quansah sent off. Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico before the break, and Quansah was dismissed on 54 minutes for a dangerous challenge on Jesus Gallardo. The referee initially did not give a foul, but VAR intervened and the Bayer Leverkusen defender was shown a straight red card.
Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot on the hour-mark after Anthony Gordon was fouled by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel. However, Kane was later adjudged to have fouled Brian Gutierrez in his own box, allowing Raul Jimenez to score from the spot after another VAR intervention.
Bellingham's Cautious Response
Speaking in Spanish after the match, Bellingham said: 'About the referee, I want to play the next game, which is why I'm not saying anything.' He praised Mexico, calling them 'a very strong team that plays with a lot of heart' and described the Azteca as 'an historic stadium'.
Tuchel's Criticism
England boss Thomas Tuchel was less restrained, blasting the officials. 'They're just not good enough. The referees are just not good enough,' he told the BBC. 'The fourth officials are just not good enough. That's the bottom line. Did I see that right that three of the VAR officials are from South America? In a match like this? I think so, that's what I saw. If that is correct… VAR overturns the decision for the [Mexico] penalty. Is it a clear and obvious error? For sure not. But VAR get involved. Earlier he doesn't even give a foul and they overturn it and give us a red card. The referees are not good enough.'
Kane's Frustration
Harry Kane also felt decisions went against England, saying of his penalty concession: 'I tried to get to the ball first, but it was one of those days. The referee called everything against us, but in the end it didn't matter.'
What's Next
England will face Norway in Miami on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals. The other quarter-final in that half of the draw will be decided after Argentina play Egypt and Switzerland take on Colombia in the last 16 on Tuesday.
