MEXICO CITY, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Thomas Tuchel praised England's resilience after his team reached the World Cup quarterfinals on Sunday with a 3-2 victory over Mexico.
England appeared to be cruising after Jude Bellingham's first-half brace, but Julian Quinones' goal and Jarell Quansah's early second-half dismissal shifted the momentum at Mexico City Stadium.
Harry Kane restored England's two-goal lead from the penalty spot before Raul Jimenez also struck from the spot as England held on to set up a clash with Norway in the next round.
"It was incredibly difficult," Tuchel told a post-match news conference. "Just when we felt we had the momentum, we suffered another setback. But that's what this team is about. When things get tough, they never give up and they never lose belief. We found a way to take one more step."
The England manager said his players had overcome adversity to beat the tournament co-host, adding that the support from fans had helped his team's cause.
"I'm proud of the players' mentality and attitude," he said. "There were moments when we got through on pure heart and determination.
We overcame every obstacle that was put in front of us. It's a very special night for us.
"If you stayed up to watch us, I just want to say thank you. We felt your support 100%. There's so much to love about this team because they just keep pushing. Now we have to recover, and we'll use that energy from the fans to keep fighting and stay in this tournament."
He said his players had relished the chance to experience the World Cup in Mexico, having played its previous four games in the tournament in the United States.
"To be in this country and see people lining the streets on our way to the stadium was very special," he said. "To come through a match like this against so much adversity makes it even more special."
Tuchel reserved special praise for England's substitutes, saying they played an important role in seeing out the victory.
The 52-year-old also revealed that midfielder Jordan Henderson had been taken to hospital after suffering a wrist injury while celebrating the win.
"Jordan has injured his wrist. It looks like quite a serious injury. It doesn't fit the mood of the evening because we're all thinking about him. I don't know all the details yet, only that he's in hospital."
Tuchel said England would also draw confidence from winning at the stadium where England fell to Argentina at the 1986 World Cup in a match remembered for Diego Maradona's individual brilliance.
"We had a very unhappy history at this stadium, and tonight we made peace with it. We know how difficult it is to beat Mexico at the Azteca [Mexico City Stadium], especially a team that hadn't conceded a goal until now. That gives us confidence." ■
