England’s exuberant post‑match celebrations at the Azteca Stadium have drawn criticism from former captain Wayne Rooney, who told the BBC it was "too soon" after the 3‑2 last‑16 victory over Mexico.

Why did Rooney think the celebrations were premature?

Rooney, appearing on the BBC panel, argued that the Three Lions’ dancing and fist‑bumping in the stadium’s tunnels risked undermining focus ahead of the quarter‑final against Norway. He contrasted his "old school" mindset with pundit César Azpilicueta’s more relaxed view, saying, "After you win anything… you have to enjoy it, but I think it’s a bit too soon." The former striker’s comments came as footage showed John Stones pretending a shoulder injury before joining the revelry, while Declan Rice laughed nearby.

How did the squad react on the pitch?

Harry Kane led the sing‑along of Oasis’s "Wonderwall" with teammates, a moment captured before his voice cracked during a post‑match interview. Jordan Henderson, however, suffered a serious arm injury after tumbling over advertising hoardings and has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament. Reece James, Djed Spence and Jarell Quansah also face doubts, with James nursing a hamstring and Spence reporting lingering discomfort.

What does this mean for England’s quarter‑final prospects?

England enter the Norway clash with a mixed injury list and a recent disciplinary issue – Quansah is suspended after a red card against Mexico, though the FA may appeal. Despite the setbacks, the squad remains on a two‑game winning run, having beaten Mexico 3‑2 and earlier secured a 4‑2 win over Croatia on 2026‑06‑17. Their recent form reads 2W‑0D‑2L, and Harry Kane tops the scoring charts with six goals in five appearances.

What’s next for the Three Lions?

The next fixture for England is a home showdown with Spain on 2026‑09‑26, a match that could shape their path to the semi‑finals. With Thomas Tuchel overseeing the squad, the balance between celebration and preparation will be under the microscope, especially as pundits continue to debate the right mindset after a dramatic knockout win.

Last result: England 4-2 Croatia (2026-06-17).