Jude Bellingham stripped to his pants during Thursday's training session in Kansas, wiping sweat from his face as England's players acclimated to the sweltering North American heat. The 23-year-old midfielder, who has two goals and an assist in four World Cup matches this tournament, showed off his abs during a break from intense drills before the Three Lions' last-16 clash with co-hosts Mexico on Sunday at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Thomas Tuchel's side booked that tie with a dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo in Atlanta, inspired by a Harry Kane double after the captain rescued England from a struggling performance. But the real test awaits in the Mexican capital, where the altitude – nearly a mile and a half above sea level – and humidity provide unique challenges. Mercedes F1 driver George Russell, who has raced six times in Mexico City, warned: 'It is extremely tough. Walking on the streets you feel more out of breath than normal. Sleeping you feel your heart rate is elevated and you feel a bit breathless.' He advised arriving as late as possible and leaving as soon as possible.
“England face Mexico in World Cup last 16, with altitude and heat looming as Harry Kane leads the charge.”
England's right-back issues continued against DR Congo, with Declan Rice deployed in that position in the closing stages. However, Reece James has given a fitness boost, while Anthony Gordon changed the game after replacing Marcus Rashford on the left. Ezri Konsa compared Kane to Lionel Messi: 'Of course, it's like Argentina with Messi. And we've got that in Harry Kane here.' Konsa described Kane's second goal as a wonder strike, adding: 'I don't know how he's managed to wrap his foot around it and get it in with that much power.'
England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, but heavyweights France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina remain serious contenders. Germany and the Netherlands were already knocked out on penalties in the round of 32. For now, the Three Lions must survive the Azteca's hostile atmosphere and thin air – a test that left Bellingham and his teammates stripped to their bare essentials.