Thomas Tuchel’s England side must conquer the raucous Azteca Stadium and more than 2,000m of altitude if they are to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, with Monday morning’s last-16 tie against Mexico carrying the weight of a nation. The Three Lions are aiming to defy the underdog tag at an iconic venue where the hosts hold a famously impressive record, but BBC Sport pundits Thomas Hitzlsperger, Joe Hart and Micah Richards believe the way Mexico play could bring out the best of Tuchel’s team.
Victory would set up a quarter-final clash in Miami Stadium, Florida, on July 11 – kick-off at 10pm UK time – against either Brazil or Norway. The five-time world champions, who face Norway at 9pm BST on Sunday, historically carry favouritism, but the Scandinavian nation have impressed during the tournament and are led by Erling Haaland, familiar to Premier League fans for his goalscoring at Manchester City. A blockbuster semi-final against Argentina could then await.
“England face Mexico at high-altitude Azteca on Monday; win would set up quarter-final against Brazil or Norway in Miami.”
Should the game go to a shootout, Harry Kane is considered a certainty to take a penalty, but who else would answer Tuchel’s call remains a pressing question for England fans.