England's Grit, Glory and Team Spirit: A Memorable Victory Over Mexico

"Talent wins matches, but teamwork wins tournaments—and England showed both in abundance."

Well! Tell me, who else is walking around today like a jacked-up zombie with a big smile on your face? What a game—but what a marathon for everyone. So, to each and every England fan who was there, watched from abroad, or followed at home in England—you all saw an amazing game. But also, give yourselves a pat on the back for making the effort to witness a brilliant display of teamwork by all the players involved, including those who did not even get onto the pitch, aka Jordan Henderson. It was, without doubt, one of the best team performances I have ever seen, in the most hostile atmosphere. Although expected, it should never be underestimated, as we see week in, week out in the Premier League how home advantage can work miracles sometimes. But last night, through skill and hard graft, the England team rose to another level. Despite some iffy refereeing decisions, the sending off was not right—it was accidental. Quansah’s knee hit the ball, and this projected his leg upwards—a yellow at best. Harry Kane's penalty: he was going for the ball, the other player came in from behind him, so Kane could not see him—so how can that be a foul? The amount of leeway given to the Mexico team, with their chopping fouls and constant dissent to all the officials when things did not go their way, was shocking. Despite these refereeing mistakes, the team were in a different league. We saw Bellingham at his best—he was everywhere, which is what all the great players should do at this level. He got the two goals because he was just putting it about all over the pitch. It reminded me of Brian Robson in his heyday—mixing it up all over the pitch and then poaching goals left, right, and centre. A great performance. Kane—what can we say? As cool as ice. A captain's performance. Looking into his eyes as he weighed up where to put his shot, not a flicker of fear or hesitation before slotting the ball into the left side of the net from his perspective. The goalie went the right way but had no chance with the power of the shot. Add to that his breaking up of the game and his tireless defensive work—just what his teammates want to see from their captain to inspire them all. And inspire he did, as every last man on that pitch gave it everything. Including the ever-vocal Jordan Pickford in goal. Like all great keepers, he is not averse to making the odd howler here and there, but last night he showed why he deserves to be England’s number one and is considered one of the best in the world. He was an absolute tower of strength—from his distribution of the ball to his acrobatic saves. He was the rock that every great team needs, and last night England were great. These days, there’s not a lot to shout about or be proud of in England, but last night that group of players gave everyone something to shout about and be proud of. No one could have asked for more—and that included the manager. I think the German became a bit of an England fan himself last night; the pride he showed in his eyes, going round and hugging every player, says it all. I think we have ourselves a convert from a German—who would have guessed it? Not me, that’s for sure. Not sure about the rest of you who got up for work today, but it is taking me twice as long to write this as normal, as I am literally falling asleep at the keyboard. I was up at 7am for an appointment in Malaga today. I think I need another few Red Bulls—but by gum, it was worth it.