England stepped back into the Estadio Azteca for the first time since Maradona’s Argentina knocked them out of the 1986 World Cup – and within hours of their final training session, Marcus Rashford had left his teammates open-mouthed, while storm clouds threatened to delay the last-16 clash against Mexico.
The Azteca, where Pele won his third World Cup and where Maradona scored his goal of the century, has been described by Pele himself as a place where “you need to be inside it, to feel it, to understand.” Designed by architect Pedro Ramirez Vazquez, its steep sides and unobstructed views were built to rival Rio’s Maracana, after 180 million kilos of rock were removed from the ground. Now, reduced to a capacity of 87,500, it awaits England’s first competitive visit since 1986.
“England return to Azteca for first time since 1986, Rashford stuns in training, storm threat looms.”
But at Club Universidad Nacional, where Thomas Tuchel’s squad trained to acclimatise to Mexico City’s altitude, it was Rashford who stole the show. During a rondo, the 28-year-old, on loan at Barcelona last season, flicked the ball through Ezri Konsa’s legs after collecting John Stones’ pass. “Rashy will probably get the most megs,” Jordan Henderson had said, and Bukayo Saka noted, “He hardly ever goes in, and every time I’ve been in the box he has to nutmeg someone.” Declan Rice added: “He’s just so smooth with it.” Teammates Jarell Quansah, Harry Kane, Dan Burn and Djed Spence reacted in disbelief – Kane fell to the floor laughing.
Yet the match itself faces a different threat. The Standard reported that thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain could disrupt the showdown at the Azteca. FIFA have a contingency plan in place if the game is delayed or abandoned. England’s squad had already contended with drumming and fireworks outside their hotel the night before, but Tuchel refused to use that as an excuse. “We had no issues tonight and I think Fifa took care of the situation,” he said, adding that the team had security around the hotel and expected a good night’s sleep.
Rashford, who has started England’s last two matches against Panama and DR Congo, will hope to retain his place ahead of Anthony Gordon. Whether the storm allows him to showcase his skills on the grandest stage – the Azteca, where kings are crowned – remains uncertain.