Elliot Anderson has paid an emotional tribute to his late mother after helping England beat Mexico 3-2 and reach the quarter-finals.
The midfielder was instrumental for the Three Lions at the Azteca Stadium, putting in a huge performance alongside Declan Rice.
The new Manchester City star dedicated the win to his mother, Helen, who died in April.
Anderson, 23, shared that being on the pitch helps him "free" his mind during what has been a very emotional time.
He said: "There's a lot of stuff going on, and my escape is just getting on the pitch; it frees my mind.
"She would have been here celebrating with my family and singing songs at the end. I'm proud."
Anderson paid tribute to his mum after she passed away with a series of pictures posted on social media.
He wrote in the caption: "Mum, you are the most special person I could have ever met.
"Laughing, smiling and dancing through every day, giving us all such joy and happiness. You fought so hard for the past year with huge strength and resilience.
"The determination you have shown made me so unbelievably proud. I am forever grateful for everything you done for our family. You gave your sons the most amazing life and we were ready to pay it all back.
"All we wanted to do was make you proud. I know you are looking down on us and watching everything we do.
"We are all together. You are my biggest motivation. Rest in peace mum. Love you so much."
Upon being called up to the England squad, Anderson wrote: "Wow! Something I have dreamt of my whole life…. Mum, we are going to the World Cup."
His tributes come after completing a £116million move to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest, a British record transfer fee.
The deal saw Anderson surpass the £115million paid for Jude Bellingham by Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023.
Only Liverpool's signings last summer of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz sit higher than Anderson, with Isak costing £125million and Writz £116.5million.
Anderson was given clearance by England to complete his medical with City, in between World Cup games.
He started 37 of 38 games last season, scoring four goals and registering four assists.
The Englishman becomes the first signing under new City boss Enzo Maresca, after the Italian was confirmed to take over from Pep Guardiola.
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