Former England skriker Wayne Rooney said the Three Lions produced ‘one of their greatest ever performances’ against Mexico in World Cup knockouts. Playing at Azteca, the odds were against England but Thomas Tuchel’s team came up with their best.

England registered a thrilling 3-2 win in Mexico City to send the co-hosts packing. Jude Bellingham scored a brace in a matter of 99 seconds whereas Harry Kane scored from a spot kick to help England seal the deal.

Mexico came back with two goals, one right after Bellingham’s brace to keep themselves afloat. After Kane scored the third goal for his team, he himself conceded a penalty, which Raul Jimenez converted in the 69th minute.

However, England came up with a rearguard performance in defense to keep the hosts at bay.

“The whole team were excellent but the big players stood up tonight — Jordan Pickford had his best game and the two centre backs were really good, ahead of the defence Declan Rice was excellent and Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane really turned up tonight.

“We sat in and I was worried we went too deep too early but they put bodies on the line, they were all oustanding and I thought we deserved it, we were the better team.

“That was one of England’s greatest results and performances,” Rooney said as quoted by ESPN.

He added: “The attitude, the grit, the desire — they had it all.”

Jarrell Quansah was given a red card in the 54th minute for his poor tackle but England was able to hold their ground.

“The occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way,” England captain Harry Kane said.

Following the win, England head coach Thomas Tuchel praised his squad: “If a team has heart and belief, then it’s this team.”

He added: “They did it on pure will. No words. That’s an iconic match, an iconic stadium. We overcame so much adversity. Very proud.”

England will face Norway in the quarterfinal clash on Saturday, 11th July at 10.00 p.m. at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.