Tuchel criticizes World Cup refereeing standards after England's win over Mexico

Thomas Tuchel criticized the refereeing standards at the World Cup, stating they are 'not good enough' following England's dramatic 3-2 victory against Mexico on Sunday at the Azteca stadium. The German coach expressed his frustration with the officiating, particularly after Jarell Quansah received a red card due to a VAR review.

Tuchel's Concerns Over Refereeing Quality

Tuchel highlighted the 'unreliable' and 'erratic' nature of officiating throughout the tournament. He remarked, “It’s just not good enough,” emphasizing that players are left uncertain about what to expect during matches. He noted that poor refereeing decisions could jeopardize teams' chances of advancing in the tournament.

Tuchel's frustration was evident from the start of the match against Mexico, particularly when Declan Rice was booked in the first minute. He pointed out the inconsistency in officiating, stating, “It’s just erratic, it’s just unreliable in matches.”

Potential Appeal Against Quansah's Red Card

Following the match, England's management is considering appealing Quansah's red card, which was issued after a VAR recommendation for a foul on Jesús Gallardo. Tuchel expressed hope that the Football Association could build a strong case, referencing FIFA's recent decision to suspend a USMNT striker for a similar incident.

“What can they do?” Tuchel asked when discussing the impact of VAR on players. He lamented that decisions can be overturned in questionable ways, which adds to the uncertainty of the game. Tuchel also noted that England's chances of progressing in the tournament hinge on their ability to adapt to these officiating challenges.

England's Resilience and Future Matches

Despite the officiating issues, Tuchel remains optimistic about England's prospects in the tournament. He stated, “It fuels our belief that we are here to stay,” underscoring the team's resilience in overcoming Mexico's formidable record at the Azteca. As the tournament progresses, Tuchel emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and belief in their ability to win.

However, a setback for England was the injury to Jordan Henderson, who sustained a broken wrist during post-match celebrations. Henderson will require surgery and will miss the remainder of the World Cup, impacting the team's depth as they prepare for the quarter-final against Norway.