Thomas Tuchel hits out at referees for being 'not good enough' in England's victory over Mexico

Thomas Tuchel has hit out at the referees for being "not good enough" in England's incredible 3-2 victory against Mexico.

The England boss criticised the match officials for several decisions that went against the Three Lions, including a penalty conceded by Harry Kane.

The England captain clipped Brian Gutierrez's studs when clearing the ball inside of his own penalty area, as Mexico complained for a penalty.

The foul was not initially given on-field by Australian referee Alireza Faghani.

After a VAR check from Colombia's Nicolas Gallo and his assistants, Juan Lara from Chile and Venezuela's Joan Soto, the officials overturned the decision, with a spot kick being given.

It led to an incredibly nervy last half an hour, as England hung on for one of their greatest World Cup wins.

Commenting on the decisions, Tuchel said: "It's just not good enough. The referees are just not good enough, fourth officials are just not good enough. That's the bottom line.

"Three people in the VAR from South America in a match like this.

"If this is correct, VAR overturns... is this a clear and obvious error for the penalty? For sure not.

"They overturned a situation where he doesn't even give a foul.

"Referees just not good enough, fourth officials just not good enough."

Tuchel praised the willpower his players showed to get the result over the line, telling the BBC: "If a team has heart and belief, then it's this team. They did it on pure will. No words. That's an iconic match, an iconic stadium. We overcame so much adversity today. Very proud.

"I didn't feel it hostile, I found it more cheering and emotional. We were aware of that, but we refused to give in on a level that is absolutely admirable."

England captain Kane, who scored on the night as did Jude Bellingham, described the match as "one of my favourite nights in my career".

He said: "What a crazy, crazy game. So many things against us as a team coming here, coming to this fortress and having to get through. In the game, the red card, the penalty and so many decisions against us the whole game, but we stuck at it.

"Everyone who fought for every inch of the ball, every inch of the grass.

"This will only give us more belief and more momentum. What a special night for England.

"We scored three goals away from home against a team that have not conceded in the tournament.

"We played 40-50 minutes with 10 men, so whatever you say about us as a team. The one thing we do have is complete desire, determination and pride in the shirt."

England will play Norway in the quarter-finals of the World Cup at 10pm on Saturday.

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