Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to rescue England from a shock defeat against DR Congo and send them into the last 16 – where they face a Mexico side that has yet to concede a goal at this World Cup. Thomas Tuchel's side fell behind before their captain intervened, securing a 2-1 victory that keeps alive hopes of reaching a third major tournament final in a decade. But the reward is a trip to the iconic Azteca Stadium, where Mexico have won 70 of 89 competitive matches and are unbeaten in 10 World Cup games. The co-hosts have won all four of their matches so far, scoring eight goals and shipping none.
The altitude – more than 7,000 feet above sea level – will test England's fitness, potentially causing shortness of breath and fatigue. Mexico are also on a 13-match unbeaten run dating back to a 2-0 defeat by Honduras in November 2024, and their high-energy first half against Ecuador in the last 32 saw them race into a two-goal lead inside 30 minutes.
“England reach last 16 after Harry Kane's late double beats DR Congo; next up co-hosts Mexico at Azteca.”
If England survive the Azteca, Brazil are potential quarter-final opponents. The five-time winners topped Group C but were unconvincing, drawing 1-1 with Morocco and needing an injury-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli to beat Japan 2-1 in the last 32. Beyond that, Norway await in the semi-finals – if England get that far. Erling Haaland has scored five goals in his first three World Cup games, including a late winner against Ivory Coast, and the Manchester City striker has 60 goals in 53 appearances for his country.
Tuchel now faces selection dilemmas he knows well: who to start on the wings, how to fix a leaky defence, who plays at right back. Even Declan Rice's position is in question after a 12-minute cameo – though, as Wayne Rooney pointed out, Kyle Walker is not available to call up. England kick off against Mexico at 01:00 BST on Monday 6 July, live on BBC One and iPlayer. The path to the final runs through the Temple of Football – and it will take something special to conquer it.