Tuchel hails England heart as they battle through Mexican storm

MEXICO CITY, July 5 : England manager Thomas Tuchel credited "pure mentality and heart" after his 10-man side survived a pulsating encounter at the Azteca Stadium, weathering a second-half onslaught to beat Mexico 3-2 and reach the World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

England appeared to be cruising at 2-0 up through two quick-fire Jude Bellingham goals, but were forced to cling on desperately after Jarell Quansah's red card sparked a Mexican revival that left England gasping in the thin air of Mexico City.

"I am just proud of the mentality and attitude - round of 32, round of 16 is the moment in the tournament when you find a way to win. We did it with pure mentality and heart," Tuchel told reporters.

"We overcame every obstacle that was thrown at us. I am so proud of the mentality and the will of the team."

In what was a cauldron atmosphere at the Azteca, England produced arguably their most accomplished performance of the tournament so far at both ends of the pitch.

After coming through a hostile opening period, they took a two-goal lead with Bellingham showing a poacher's instinct to score twice from close range in the space of two minutes.

Yet the bedlam was only just beginning as Mexico got one back through their World Cup top scorer Julian Quinones, adding rocket fuel to an atmosphere that was already inflamed.

When Quansah was sent off for a rash challenge nine minutes into the second half, the crowd threatened to lift the roof off the famous arena before a Harry Kane penalty gave England some short-lived breathing space.

They were soon up against it again though when Mexico were awarded a spot-kick of their own and Raul Jimenez dispatched his effort to leave England clinging on for the final whistle.

England