Jarell Quansah has been sent off against Mexico following a VAR review as England's round of 16 clash erupted into chaos and controversy
Jarell Quansah has been sent off against Mexico following a VAR review.
With England leading 2-1, thanks to Jude Bellingham's first half double, Mexico halved the deficit before the break to set up a feisty second half.
But the game boiled over when Quansah went in for a heavy challenge in his own half. Play initially carried on despite complaints from the Mexico bench as England went down the other end as Anthony Gordon won a dangerous free-kick.
However, the break in play saw the Mexicans lead their complaints and eventually the referee was sent to the screen by the VAR to review a potential red card.
Upon watching the replay, Quansah had launched into the tackle and completely mistimed his challenge, getting his studs on the ball but his momentum took his over and his studs made contact at force high on the leg of Jesus Gallardo.
The decision was without doubt the correct one as Quansah's shocking tackle saw him become the first England player to be sent off at the World Cup since Wayne Rooney in 2006.
John Stones was sent on to replace Bukayo Saka to restore England back to four defenders. Despite being a man down, England won a penalty through more brilliant work from Harry Kane and Gordon. The new Barcelona star rounded the goalkeeper and was brought down, seeing Kane dispatch the penalty to restore the two goal lead.
However, the joy was short lived as Mexico were awarded a penalty of their own following another VAR intervention after Harry Kane had kicked the back of Brian Gutiérrez's leg attempting a clearance in the box.
Raul Jimenez extended his perfect record from the spot to add another twist to the crazy game, making the score 3-2 with 20 minutes to play.
Tuchel fully pulled the handbrake on, bringing on Dan Burn and Djed Spence for Elliot Anderson and Nico O'Reilly, reverting to a back five with 10 men behind the ball.
The decision to change the shape is why Tuchel is paid the big money to be England boss but it looked inconceivable that England would be able to withstand the onslaught. But they did in defiant and heroic fashion.