Aguirre bows out after England loss and backs Rafa Marquez for Mexico job

Mexico's tournament came to an end with a 3-2 defeat to England at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday. 

The result also marked the end of Aguirre's third spell as national team coach after he had already confirmed he would step down once the World Cup concluded.

Although disappointed by the defeat, Aguirre believes the team have taken important steps forward and said Marquez was ready to continue building on that progress.

"I wish him the best," Aguirre told reporters. "He is more than capable, and he will do better than me."

England secured their place in the quarter-finals after Jude Bellingham scored twice to put the visitors in control. Julian Quinones gave Mexico hope before Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty after England had been reduced to 10 men. Raul Jimenez added a late penalty, but Mexico could not find an equaliser.

Aguirre admits he had hoped to end his time in charge with a victory in front of the home supporters.

"I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts," he said. "We tried."

The match was delayed by an hour because of poor weather around the Azteca, but a passionate crowd created a memorable atmosphere throughout. Mexico's supporters roared their team forward in the closing stages as they searched for a dramatic comeback, but England held on to set up a quarter-final against Norway in Miami.

Despite the disappointment of elimination, Aguirre praised his players for restoring belief in the national team during Mexico's best World Cup run in four decades.

"The players need to leave with their heads held high," he said. "Today it could not be. We failed to capitalise, but I want to thank them all."

Reflecting on his final match as coach, Aguirre said he was proud of what the squad had achieved together.

"I leave with a lot of pride," he said. "These players made me very happy. We recovered the sense of belonging and the identity of this team."