England refused to accept defeat against DR Congo, says Tuchel

England secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo to advance in the World Cup, a result that manager Thomas Tuchel described as a testament to his team's resilience.

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This team today did not accept defeat as an outcome. They just didn't accept it, and it makes me very proud because they did what was necessary.

DR Congo had taken an early lead, threatening a major upset, but Harry Kane's equalizer 15 minutes from time, followed by his late winner, propelled England into the last 16. Tuchel lauded his players' mental fortitude, stating they "did not accept defeat as an outcome."

"The going got tough today, and then they showed up, and we got the deserved win," Tuchel told reporters. "We don't give in, we don't give in. That's what this team is about."

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We don't give in, we don't give in. That's what this team is about.

Despite a strong performance from the Congolese goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, England's persistent pressure eventually paid off. Tuchel felt his team should have equalized sooner, noting that the halftime score did not reflect the game's dynamics.

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I think the halftime result was not a fair result. We conceded very early, which made things more complicated than they were already.

England now prepares to face co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City. Tuchel acknowledged the challenge, particularly the altitude at the Azteca Stadium, which he believes will be a significant disadvantage given the short recovery time.

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It is maybe one of the most beautiful fixtures, most exciting fixtures that you can have, to play against Mexico in the Azteca.