Former Top Gear star James May has sparked quite the reaction online thanks to his immediate response to England's historic World Cup win against Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning.
England secured their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a thrilling 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Jude Bellingham proved the difference-maker, netting twice within 98 seconds during the first half to give Thomas Tuchel's side a commanding advantage at 2,200 metres above sea level.
Harry Kane also scored from the penalty spot to bag the third as England's stoic defence held off wave after wave of Mexican attacks to secure victory.
James May has hit out at naysayers who urged fans not to stay up to watch England
| PAMuch of the conversation before the match centred on the kick-off time. Originally scheduled for 1am in the UK, the weather delayed the kick-off by an hour, meaning Tuchel's men didn't get going until 2am in the UK.
Many in the England camp had urged fans to stay up to watch the match and perhaps make excuses for work and school on Monday. However, there had been some naysayers who suggested doing so wasn't the most practical or responsible thing to do.
Following the action-packed match, May took to X to take aim at those in the latter camp.
"And some people thought we shouldn’t have stayed up to watch that," the 63-year-old mocked on X.
Jude Bellingham celebrates with teammate Harry Kane after scoring his team's first goal during the Fifa World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England | GETTYInevitably, May's patriotic post prompted a wave of reactions. "ITS ABSOLUTELY COMING HOME," one fan excitedly penned in response.
"I won't sleep now, what a cracking game," another X user replied, while a third weighed in: "Crazy game, surely one of the best ever!!" (sic)
On the pitch, the opener arrived in the 36th minute following a sweeping counter-attack. Jordan Pickford launched the move with a throw to Declan Rice, who surged forward before finding Bukayo Saka on the right flank.
The winger's precise delivery was met by Bellingham's stooping header.
Pickford made several stunning stops in England's 3-2 victory | REUTERSLATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Moments later, Bellingham doubled the lead, converting Harry Kane's low cross from close range after Elliot Anderson and Anthony Gordon combined to win possession in midfield.
Julian Quiñones hauled Mexico back into contention before half-time, firing home a volley after England failed to clear a free-kick, with Bellingham leaving the striker unmarked.
The hosts' momentum grew significantly when Jarell Quansah received his marching orders in the 54th minute.
Referee Alireza Faghani initially allowed play to continue following the right-back's tackle on Jesús Gallardo, but VAR intervention prompted a pitchside review. The official returned to brandish red after determining Quansah's studs had connected with Gallardo's shin.
And some people thought we shouldn’t have stayed up to watch that.
— James May (@MrJamesMay) July 6, 2026
Rather than capitulating, England responded emphatically within six minutes. Gordon latched onto a loose ball and was upended by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel inside the area.
Kane stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick with characteristic composure, restoring the two-goal advantage despite being a man short.
Mexico's hopes of a comeback were ultimately frustrated by England's defensive organisation and determination.
Tuchel's decision to switch to a 5-3-1 formation following the dismissal proved inspired, with the anticipated siege from the hosts never truly materialising.
Jarel Quansah was sent off for England in their World Cup clash with Mexico | GETTYPickford produced two outstanding saves to deny Raúl Jiménez in the first half, while Dan Burn effectively neutralised the striker's threat after the interval.
John Stones, introduced as a substitute, made a crucial intervention deep into added time, prodding the ball just wide of his own goal during a nervy moment.
The match featured 11 minutes of stoppage time, during which England's backline held firm against increasingly desperate Mexican attacks.
Penalty appeals were dismissed as Tuchel's men demonstrated remarkable composure to see out the victory.
James May worked alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond on Top Gear and The Grand Tour | GETTYKane described the encounter as one of the finest moments of his international career. "It's one of my favourite nights in my career," the captain said, highlighting the squad's "complete desire, determination and pride in the shirt" whilst playing with ten men for more than 40 minutes.
England's celebrations were marred by an injury to Jordan Henderson, who suffered a serious wrist problem during the post-match festivities. Tuchel confirmed the midfielder was taken to hospital for treatment.
The victory sets up a quarter-final clash with Norway in Miami on Saturday, where England will face the considerable challenge of containing Erling Haaland.
The match represents another significant test for a side that demonstrated both vulnerability and resilience in equal measure at the Azteca.