World Cup round-up: England vs Mexico ‘punches’, star in hospital and ex-Man Utd ace sobs

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WORLD CUP DAY 25 ROUND-UP England defeated Mexico 3-2 in a chaotic World Cup clash with bench brawl claims, plus Jordan Henderson serious injury, Neymar’s retirement and Haaland humiliating Gabriel

England bested Mexico in a chaotic rollercoaster ride of a World Cup classic that ended 3-2 to the Three Lions.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were again the heroes as Thomas Tuchel’s side dug in with 10-men following a red card for makeshift right-back Jarrell Quansah and overcame a Mexico onslaught in the legendary Estadio Azteca to dump the co-hosts out of the tournament. But it wasn’t all smiles as a “serious” injury suffered after the final whistle by one England star gave real cause for concern.

It was a wild night of action in North America as earlier Erling Haaland led Norway had pulled off a stunning upset to beat Brazil 2-1 and eliminate the record five-time winners from the competition – setting up a quarter-final tie with England. Here’s all you need to know following a dramatic evening of World Cup drama in our daily morning round-up.

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England thriller

Thomas Tuchel’s England produced a commanding and brave performance as they defeated Mexico 3-2 at Mexico City Stadium. Jude Bellingham bagged a brace and Harry Kane also found the net to secure a quarter-final clash against Norway.

Yet it wasn’t entirely straightforward as Jarell Quansah received his marching orders at the beginning of the second period following a VAR check.

And prior to the sending-off, there was a heated confrontation between members of both dugouts, with Alan Shearer insisting fists had been flying.

The ex-striker said on BBC commentary: “It’s all going off on the touchline, they’re scrapping, they’re punching, they’re doing whatever because the Mexican bench, they think it was a terrible tackle from Quansah.”

Shearer also clashed with Darren Cann after Mexico were handed a disputed second-half spot-kick against England. Brian Gutierrez tumbled under Harry Kane’s challenge inside the area, and referee Alireza Faghani initially dismissed the protests, reports the Mirror.

Former Premier League official Cann insisted the right call had been made, but Shearer said: “That’s a kick of the foot, that’s not a penalty for me. He does clip his foot but not enough to give a penalty away, goodness me.”

Jordan Henderson hospitalised

Thomas Tuchel confirmed after the match that Jordan Henderson has sustained a severe wrist injury after tumbling over advertising boards during the final celebrations with England fans and has been rushed to hospital. He was also given oxygen as he was carried off on a stretcher.

Despite the victory, Thomas Tuchel was far from pleased post-match, expressing his fury at referee Alireza Faghani. He stated: “Just not good enough, the referees are just not good enough, the fourth official is just not good enough.”

Meanwhile, England captain Harry Kane had to cut short an interview with the BBC after losing his voice. Having just belted out Wonderwall, it’s perhaps understandable that his voice had given out.

Haaland humiliates Gabriel

The rivalry between Gabriel Magalhaes and Erling Haaland reached the international stage, with the forward emerging victorious as Norway knocked Brazil out of the World Cup. Haaland netted twice as his team secured a memorable 2-1 win.

The Manchester City man twice got the better of his Arsenal rival, leaving him sprawling in his wake in the latest of their high profile clashes.

Staying on the topic of Gabriel, Gary Neville was far from impressed with the defender, venting: “I’m fuming with Gabriel. He knows that centre-forward better than anybody. For him to stay five yards off him and go for a straight race on a header-with Haaland-absolutely crazy! I can’t believe it.”

Brazil tears and retirement

The defeat left Manchester United legend Casemiro in floods of tears during his post-match interview, as he said: “It’s hard to find words right now. It’s a dream when you start playing football.

“It’s every Brazilian’s dream to win a World Cup. I’m very proud of what I, and all the players, have done here. We try our best, we do a good job, we know we might disappoint, but life goes on.”

Casemiro wasn’t the sole Brazil player reduced to tears, with an emotional Neymar announcing his international retirement. He said: “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I’m finishing here.”

Things might have been vastly different for Brazil had Bruno Guimaraes buried a first-half penalty. Carlo Ancelotti explained why the Newcastle United star was taking the spot-kick, despite Vinicius Jr being on the field.

He said: “It’s a predefined decision just like in all games. We always communicate beforehand to the player who will take the penalty. It’s a decision by the coaching staff. Missing a penalty happens in football, and today it happened.”

Brazilian supporters have called for manager Carlo Ancelotti to be dismissed and replaced by Pep Guardiola after the country’s World Cup exit. One fan stated: “The only manager who can save Brazil, Pep Guardiola.”

Rooney fumes

Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney has labelled it as “an absolute disgrace” that USA forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban has been put on hold by FIFA. The American is the tournament’s leading scorer with three goals but was shown a red card in the victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32.

However, FIFA unexpectedly announced on Sunday evening that his suspension had been deferred for a year. The ex-England skipper was among several high-profile pundits to criticise FIFA, stating: “I think it’s an absolute disgrace, I really do.”

He then added: “I think it’s an absolute disgrace. Infantino should be ashamed of this.”