Media outlets in Mexico have made their feelings about England clear after the two nations played out a classic World Cup tie at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday night.
A Jude Bellingham brace and Harry Kane penalty were enough for the Three Lions to eliminate one of the host nations on their own turf after a week of speculation around how they'd cope in the conditions. The altitude inside the famous ground turned out to be no problem.
Thomas Tuchel's side were forced to work extremely hard by a team that breezed through the group stage and Round of 32 without conceding a single goal, but their attacking quality proved to be vital. Now, local media have weighed in on the 1966 winners.
England National TeamREUTERS/Paul Childs
It was a close encounter which threatened to boil over at times due to the tense atmosphere inside the ground, but the press in Mexico have been full of praise for the English players.
Several outlets made sure to give credit to the opposition while expressing the disappointment of being beaten on home soil. Mediotiempo wrote (per Daily Record):
"That dreaded altitude never affected the English, who arrived prepared for all kinds of hostilities and crushed the Mexican dream of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in history with three goals.
"It was disappointing to see them fail defensively at the worst possible moment, succumbing to the infamous English long balls. In the end, they fought hard, but with little skill and a lot of heart."
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Speaking about Javier Aguirre's efforts to throw the kitchen sink at 10-man England, they conceded that they were simply facing a 'top team'. "He pinned the English back in their own half, but no one could provide the spark of creativity needed to break down a top team, and it all ended as it began: just a dream."
The Mexican Record were even more complimentary of specific players in the Three Lions' line-up. "It wasn't South Africa. Nor Korea or the Czech Republic. Not even Ecuador. It was a world champion, the team with the most powerful league on the planet," they wrote.
Kane and Bellingham were among the handful of players singled out for praise: "A team with the legendary Harry Kane. With stars like Bellingham, man of the match, or Saka, or Rice. Even Pickford shone."
Jude Bellingham Praised For Actions After England Win
Jude Bellingham (England)Henry Romero via Reuters
In addition to his star power on the pitch, Bellingham specifically has captured the imagination of Mexicans for his gesture after the game. He has been praised by El Universal for his actions, which 'touched many hearts'.
A video quickly emerged online of Bellingham comforting 17-year-old wonderkid Gilberto Mora. The youngster asked to swap shirts with the Real Madrid ace, who responded by saying: "Give me yours too."
The Mexican outlet appreciated the Englishman taking the time to acknowledge the rising star amid his country's celebrations: "Undoubtedly, a gesture to applaud from the English player, who, full of euphoria and joy at qualifying for the quarter-finals, took the time to acknowledge the Mexican gem, who played a good game."