England manager Thomas Tuchel has publicly expressed concerns about the quality and consistency of refereeing at the ongoing World Cup, following controversial decisions in their recent match against Mexico. The German coach criticized both the on-field officials and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team, suggesting that officiating errors could jeopardize England’s chances in the tournament.

Tuchel’s frustration centered on two key incidents during the game, which England won with difficulty. A penalty was awarded against captain Harry Kane after a challenge on Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez, and defender Jarell Quansah was shown a red card following a VAR review for a studs-up tackle on Jesus Gallardo. Both decisions were points of contention for Tuchel, who questioned the interpretation of contact and foul play in fast-paced situations.

“It’s not good enough. They can send any team out at any moment,” Tuchel said, describing officiating as erratic and unreliable. He emphasized the challenge for players who give their all but face decisions that are overturned in questionable ways. “It’s not only about the big decisions, it’s about the little decisions, the consistency,” he added, likening refereeing standards to being “almost on the open sea” where outcomes feel unpredictable.

Highlighting the evolution of the game, Tuchel argued that with all teams—including so-called underdogs like Congo and Cape Verde—playing at a high level, the refereeing must meet equally high standards. “There are only athletes out there, the game has changed massively, and it’s just not good enough for the players, for the game,” he said.

Regarding the penalty awarded to Mexico, Tuchel questioned whether Kane would have anticipated a VAR intervention in the moment of playing the ball. He stressed that contact is inherent in the sport and expressed skepticism about decisions based solely on still images. “You cannot look at stills and think, ‘Oh, contact, penalty,’” he explained. On Quansah’s red card, he said the punishment felt excessive given that no foul was initially called before the card was issued.

While Tuchel’s comments reflect significant dissatisfaction with the refereeing standards, broader discussion on the matter within the tournament continues. Officials aim to apply the laws consistently, using VAR as a tool to minimize clear errors, but debates over interpretation and application remain common in high-stakes international competitions. The scrutiny on refereeing quality is expected to persist as England and other teams vie for advancement in the World Cup.