ROONEY, AZPILICUETA CLASH OVER ENGLAND'S WORLD CUP CELEBRATIONS

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Former England striker Wayne Rooney and ex-Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta have offered contrasting views on England’s dressing-room celebrations following the Three Lions’ hard-fought 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel’s side became the first team to breach Mexico’s defence at the tournament, with Jude Bellingham opening the scoring in the 36th minute before England doubled their lead less than two minutes later.

Mexico pulled one back through Julian Quiñones, while England were reduced to 10 men after Jarell Quansah was sent off just nine minutes into the second half, setting up a tense finish.

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Harry Kane restored England’s two-goal cushion from the penalty spot, but the captain later conceded a spot-kick that allowed Mexico to close the gap again.

Despite playing the closing stages with 10 men, England held on to secure victory, inflicting only Mexico’s third competitive defeat at the Azteca Stadium.

The Three Lions celebrated the memorable win in the dressing room, with Tuchel joining his players, but Rooney questioned the timing of the festivities.

“I’m a bit more old school. After you win anything… I know you have to enjoy it, but I think it’s a bit too soon,” Rooney said during the BBC’s coverage, as quoted by Express.

Azpilicueta, however, defended the celebrations, arguing that the players had earned the right to savour a significant victory.

“As a player, when you have had these kinds of games against a host, this atmosphere, you have to enjoy it. Life is about balance, football is about balance. You have to enjoy it. Now they will recover and be ready for another game,” he said.

England will face Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday, July 11, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.