England's 3‑2 win over Mexico at the Azteca on 2026‑07‑04 sparked jubilation, but former striker Michael Owen dismissed the hype, insisting the Three Lions must tighten up before the knockout rounds.

Why Owen thinks the reaction is overblown

Owen told the Daily Mail that he felt "relieved" hearing Thomas Tuchel admit there was plenty to improve. He argued the narrative of "bravery" ignored England's tendency to drop deep after scoring, allowing opponents to regain possession. "We haven't seen enough of the pressing, possession‑based football Tuchel wants," he wrote, pointing to moments when England surrendered the ball under pressure.

What the win actually showed

The match saw England survive a late onslaught despite playing with ten men after Jarell Quansah's red card. Tuchel's side held off the co‑hosts, but Owen believes the performance would crumble against elite teams. "If we play like this against France, Spain or Argentina, we'll get our backsides kicked," he warned, highlighting the need for sustained ball control.

How this fits into England's recent form

England entered the game on a two‑game winning run, part of a recent form record of 2W‑0D‑2L (WWLL, most recent first). The victory extended their momentum, but the next challenge looms: a quarter‑final clash with Norway, where they are favourites to progress. The side's last result before Mexico was a 4‑2 triumph over Croatia on 2026‑06‑17, showing attacking potential but also defensive frailties.

What needs to change before the Spain showdown

Owen stresses that England must avoid slipping into old habits of retreating after scoring. He praises Tuchel's post‑match comments for their honesty and urges the squad to adopt a higher‑pressing approach, especially with the upcoming home fixture against Spain on 2026‑09‑26. With Jordan Henderson currently sidelined, midfield depth will be tested, making the call for tactical discipline even louder.

The broader picture for England's World Cup hopes

While fans celebrate the Mexico win, Owen's critique serves as a reality check. The Three Lions have the talent to go far, but without a clear game plan that emphasizes possession and pressure, their path to the semi‑finals remains uncertain. Tuchel's willingness to acknowledge flaws could be the catalyst England needs to evolve before the next round.