England World Cup 2026 hopes are alive after a dramatic 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium — but Wayne Rooney thinks the party started too early. The former captain called England’s wild dressing-room celebrations ‘a bit too soon,’ a note of caution that landed even as John Stones pranked manager Thomas Tuchel with a fake shoulder injury.
Historic Azteca victory sparks wild scenes
England secured a huge 3-2 win over Mexico in front of a hostile Azteca crowd, and the dressing room erupted. In the middle of the celebrations, defender John Stones faked a shoulder injury to trick manager Thomas Tuchel, capturing the loose, confident mood inside the camp.
The result marks a statement performance against one of the tournament co-hosts, but Rooney believes the reaction risked getting ahead of the job still to be done.
Rooney urges caution before the real test
Rooney warned that celebrating this hard is ‘a bit too soon,’ with the knockout rounds still ahead. For a squad chasing a first World Cup since 1966, he argued, the energy is better saved for the matches that decide everything.
Tuchel’s England now face the challenge of channelling that belief without losing focus. The talent is clear from the win at the Azteca — the question Rooney raises is whether the mentality can match it when the pressure peaks.
FAQ
Why did Rooney criticise England’s celebrations?
Wayne Rooney called the celebrations ‘a bit too soon,’ feeling it was premature to party so hard before the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.
What was the score between Mexico and England?
England beat tournament co-hosts Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium.
What did John Stones do to Thomas Tuchel?
Defender John Stones faked a shoulder injury to prank manager Thomas Tuchel during the dressing-room celebrations.
Where did the match take place?
The game was played at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, home of the co-hosts.
Can England win the 2026 World Cup?
The win over Mexico shows England have the quality, but as Rooney suggests, sustaining focus through the knockout rounds will decide their World Cup 2026 fate.
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