Rooney warns England celebrations came too soon despite Mexico thriller sending them to last eight

Wayne Rooney believes England’s dressing-room celebrations after their 3-2 World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium came “too soon”, putting him at odds with fellow BBC pundit Cesar Azpilicueta.

Footage of the Three Lions squad jumping and dancing in the bowels of the stadium — with head coach Thomas Tuchel fully involved — spread quickly after the result, but Rooney was not entirely comfortable with what he saw. “I’m a bit more old school,” the former England captain said on the BBC. “After you win anything… I know you’ve got to enjoy it, but I think it’s a bit too soon.”

Azpilicueta pushed back, arguing the occasion warranted it. “As a player, when you have had these kinds of games against a host, this atmosphere, you have to enjoy it,” the former Spain international said. “Life is about balance, football is about balance, you have to enjoy it. Now they will recover and be ready for another game.”

The post-match mood was further lifted when the entire squad gathered by their supporters to sing Oasis’s ‘Wonderwall’, with Harry Kane among those belting out the lyrics — a fact that became apparent moments later when the England captain repeatedly lost his voice during a pitchside BBC interview, leaving Rooney in stitches.

Tuchel’s own celebrations were briefly interrupted when John Stones appeared to have injured his shoulder, only for the defender to reveal he was feigning it, quickly resuming his celebrations as Declan Rice laughed alongside him.

However, the mood has since been tempered by a growing injury list ahead of Monday’s quarter-final against Norway. Jordan Henderson suffered a severe arm injury after falling over the advertising hoardings and has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. Reece James, who has missed the last three games with a hamstring problem, and Djed Spence, who reported discomfort after the Mexico win, are both doubts. Jarell Quansah is suspended after receiving a red card against Mexico, though the FA may yet appeal that decision.