Was this the night England announced themselves as genuine World Cup favourites? The Three Lions' exhilarating 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Azteca Stadium has ignited belief that Thomas Tuchel’s side could go all the way. On The Wayne Rooney Show, Wayne Rooney and Sam Allardyce debated whether this was England's biggest tournament statement since 1966, and why the performance under Tuchel felt like a seismic shift.
Tuchel's Tactical Gambles Pay Off
The win was not just about the result; it was about the manner of it. England came from behind twice, showing a resilience that has often been questioned. Rooney highlighted Tuchel’s bold decisions, saying the German got every big call right. “You know, at PSG, at Chelsea, he learned how to manage big egos and big moments,” Rooney said. “Tonight, he got it spot on.” The former England captain pointed to the tactical tweaks that nullified Mexico’s high press, allowing Jude Bellingham to dominate the midfield.
“That was a 10 out of 10. I’ve seen some great World Cup performances, but that’s up there.” – Wayne Rooney on Bellingham’s display
Bellingham’s Magnificent 10/10
Bellingham delivered a performance for the ages, earning a perfect score from Rooney. The Real Madrid star was everywhere—scoring, assisting, and driving the team forward with a maturity beyond his years. “He’s the best player in the world right now,” Allardyce added. “He carried England in a way we’ve not seen since Paul Gascoigne in ’96.” The duo agreed that Bellingham’s display eclipsed some of England’s iconic World Cup moments, positioning him as the tournament’s standout star.
A Mentally Stronger England
Beyond tactics and individual brilliance, this England squad appears to have shed the psychological frailties of past generations. Rooney noted that Tuchel’s tenure has instilled a new belief, evident in the way they fought back against a hostile crowd and a talented Mexican side. Reflecting on Gareth Southgate’s legacy, Rooney praised the foundations laid but emphasised that Tuchel has added a ruthless edge. With Norway up next, the former striker joked he might row the Hudson River if England win it all—a sign of his growing confidence. The discussion also touched on Jordan Henderson’s freak injury, a reminder that the road ahead remains fraught, but the overriding sentiment was clear: this is England’s best chance since 1966.
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Tuchel’s tactical acumen was decisive in England’s 3-2 comeback win over Mexico.
- Jude Bellingham’s 10/10 performance drew comparisons with England’s greatest World Cup displays.
- Wayne Rooney and Sam Allardyce believe this side is mentally stronger than any England squad in decades.
- The victory is being hailed as England’s biggest tournament statement since the 1966 World Cup final.
- Tuchel seems to have learned from his PSG and Chelsea experiences to handle the pressure of a major tournament.
Quick Facts
Result: England 3-2 Mexico
Venue: Azteca Stadium, Mexico City
Jude Bellingham rating (per Rooney): 10/10
England’s next fixture: Norway
Rooney’s bold prediction: Could row the Hudson River if England win the World Cup