England scraped through a nervy 2-1 victory against DR Congo in the World Cup 2026 round of 32, relying on two late Harry Kane goals to avoid embarrassment. Now they face a daunting last-16 tie against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca — a fortress where Mexico have never lost a World Cup match in 89 competitive fixtures. The performance against DR Congo exposed tactical vulnerabilities that Thomas Tuchel's side must address if they are to become only the third team to conquer the Azteca, after Brazil and Argentina.
England laboured for much of the game against the 46th-ranked DR Congo side, who surprised Tuchel with a formation shift. Instead of their usual 5-3-2, Sebastien Desabre's team set up in a 4-4-2 shape, and this was not purely defensive. Their build-up play used the goalkeeper plus three central players to outnumber England's front two of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. The full-backs held wide positions, pulling England's wingers Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke away from the centre. This spreading of the back line made it hard for England to press effectively, and the off-ball movement of DR Congo's midfielders dragged Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson into unusual positions, leaving space for attackers to drop deep unmarked.
“Why England struggled tactically against DR Congo and what they must fix to beat Mexico at the Azteca.”
This tactical blueprint matters because Mexico employ similar principles under manager Javier Aguirre. Though they use a 4-3-3 formation, Mexico also rely on width and rotations to pull opponents away from passing lanes. Striker Raul Jimenez has dropped into deeper positions in a manner similar to DR Congo's attackers. If England press high again, they risk being stretched and exploited in the same way. Tuchel has two main options: either sit off more passively in a compact block, allowing the opposition more possession but denying them space to play, or improve the coordination of the press to prevent being outnumbered.
For UK readers, the practical takeaway is that England's path to the quarter-finals is fraught with tactical and physical hurdles. The Estadio Azteca sits at 2,240 metres above sea level, a factor that can affect players' stamina — especially after a high-intensity game in 30-degree heat in Atlanta. Midfielder Declan Rice, who was substituted late on against DR Congo after icing his quad, insisted he was 'good as gold' despite previous calf, back and hamstring issues. However, his versatility was on display as he moved to right-back before England's comeback, and with Reece James potentially still out injured, Rice may be deployed there again.
Q: Why did England struggle against DR Congo? DR Congo switched to a 4-4-2 formation that used width and the goalkeeper to outnumber England's high press. Their midfielders dragged England's central midfielders out of position, creating space for attackers to drop into. This tactical adjustment caught England off guard and exposed vulnerabilities in Tuchel's pressing system.
Q: How will Mexico try to exploit England's weaknesses? Mexico use a 4-3-3 with similar width and rotations to DR Congo. They will likely target the same gaps by pulling England's midfielders wide and allowing runners into central areas. Mexico's unbeaten record at the Azteca in World Cup matches — just two losses in 89 competitive games — adds psychological pressure.
Q: Is Declan Rice fit for the Mexico match? Rice was substituted late against DR Congo with a quad issue, but he told BBC Radio 5 Live he is 'fine' and 'good as gold'. He has battled calf, back and hamstring problems this tournament but expects to be available for Monday's match. His ability to play both midfield and right-back gives Tuchel flexibility.
England face Mexico on Monday, July 6, 2026, in Mexico City. The match kicks off at a time to be confirmed. Tuchel must decide whether to adjust the team's pressing strategy or risk being overrun again. The winner advances to a quarter-final against either Belgium or Senegal.