As England prepare to face Mexico in the World Cup last 16, social media is awash with claims that The Simpsons predicted the fixture decades ago. A scene from the 1997 episode "The Cartridge Family" (Season 9, Episode 5) shows a television advertisement for a football match between Mexico and Portugal – prompting fans to wonder if the cartoon foresaw Mexico's run to the final. But fact-checkers have dismissed the same claim during both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and the episode never mentions 2026 or the FIFA World Cup. In the show, the match is excruciatingly dull, and the Springfield audience ends up rioting.
For England, the real concern is on the pitch. After a last-32 win over DR Congo, former Three Lions forward Wayne Rooney said there are still "big concerns" – and manager Thomas Tuchel faces questions from back to front. Captain Harry Kane rescued England with two late goals in Wednesday's comeback victory, setting up the Azteca Stadium showdown. But the right-back spot and wide forward positions are up for debate. Can Djed Spence be trusted at full-back? Did Anthony Gordon do enough to oust Marcus Rashford from the starting line-up with two assists? Should England risk Bukayo Saka's fitness?
“Wayne Rooney says England have 'big concerns' as they prepare to face Mexico in the World Cup last 16.”
Fans are being asked to select and share their England team for the match, which will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer, with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds. The outcome will define England's tournament – and whether Rooney's concerns prove prophetic.