The atmosphere in Mexico City was already red hot more than 24 hours before kick-off. Giant screens line the Paseo de la Reforma, car horns blare along the historic avenue, and merchandise sellers flock to the Azteca Stadium. Thunder and lightning have rattled around the iconic ground, where England must now confront not only Mexico but the weight of history.
England arrived on Friday evening, with little time to adjust to the 7,220ft altitude after playing in the temperature-controlled luxury of Dallas and Atlanta, then the rain of Boston and New Jersey. They face a Mexico side who have not conceded a goal in the World Cup and have lost only two competitive games out of 88 played at their spiritual home. The last time England visited the Azteca was 1986, when Diego Maradona's Hand of God goal sent them out 2-1 to Argentina.
“England face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, battling altitude, history and a nation at fever pitch.”
Head coach Thomas Tuchel was visibly relishing the occasion. “We saw the excitement and the emotions of the people when we arrived,” he said. “They were emotional but also very, very respectful. We felt the energy of the place right away… This is a next-level setting. We are in an iconic place and an iconic stadium. It is just the biggest stage and we feel it.”
The weather threatens further disruption. Channel 4 News reported bad weather forecast around kick-off, and The Sun detailed FIFA rules: if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium, the game will be halted, with a 30-minute countdown resetting after each strike. A postponed match would restart from the same minute on a future date, with no bonus substitutions.
Tuchel faces a major selection dilemma. The Mirror’s John Cross predicts Ezri Konsa may shift to right-back, allowing John Stones to partner Marc Guehi in central defence. That move would help nullify Mexico’s attacking threat from the left, Julián Quiñones, who has been “fabulous” according to Mexican journalists. “A strong start is key here because Mexico, powered by the ferocity of the Azteca, have the ability to blow teams away inside the first ‘quarter’,” Cross warned.
England will also keep one eye on New Jersey, where Brazil and Norway are locked in a goalless draw after Bruno Guimaraes missed a penalty. The winner will face England in the quarter-finals if the Three Lions emerge from the Azteca.
Kick-off is just hours away — and a nation holds its breath.