Mexico is one of the most complete teams in the tournament. Javier Aguirre’s disciplined side have recorded four wins from four games while still conceding one goal. Turkey swept Group A by defeating South Africa 2-0, South Korea 1-0, and the Czech Republic 3-0, and defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32 with goals from Julian Quiñones and Raul Jimenez. The victory ensured Mexico’s first World Cup knockout victory in 40 years, while extending their impressive run to four consecutive clean sheets.
England’s route is far less straightforward. Thomas Tuchel has guided the Three Lions to the top of Group L with two wins and a draw, but his side find themselves on the brink of elimination against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Brian Cipenga’s opener kept England chasing the game until Harry Kane came to the rescue with goals in the 75th and 86th minutes to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback. Kane now has five goals at the World Cup and continues his pursuit of the Golden Boot while extending his status as England’s greatest World Cup goalscorer.
Much of the pre-race attention was focused on the extreme conditions in Mexico City. Severe thunderstorms rolled through the nation’s capital hours before tipoff, prompting stadium officials to issue a shelter-in-place order inside the open-air Aztec Stadium due to lightning and heavy rain. FIFA had earlier considered moving the kick-off time by six hours but abandoned those plans after discussions with the two federations, ultimately confirming that the game will start as planned once conditions permit.
Team news tells a much different story. Mexico enters the tournament with a fully healthy squad and no suspensions, allowing Aguirre to retain a defensive quartet of Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, John Vázquez and Jesus Gallardo, one of the stingiest defenses at this World Cup. Luis Romo and Eric Lira continue to provide a midfield platform in Aguirre’s dynamic 4-3-3 system, while Quiñones and Jimenez spearhead the attack.
Meanwhile, England continue to deal with injury issues at the back. Jarell Quansah returns from an ankle injury and will start at right back after passing a late fitness test. Reece James and Jed Spence are both fit to be on the bench, while Declan Rice returns to his natural midfield role after briefly filling in in defense against DR Congo. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon started on the wings alongside Harry Kane after coming off the bench in the previous round.
Events off the pitch also heightened the atmosphere. England’s preparations were disrupted when hundreds of Mexican supporters gathered outside the team hotel in the early hours, using fireworks, sirens, motorcycle engines, horns and loudspeakers to try to disturb visitors. The incidents prompted a heavy police presence around England’s hotels and Ecuador lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over similar treatment before their last-32 defeat to Mexico.
One of the most famous stadiums in football is now hosting a momentous match. Mexico are trying to end decades of frustration in the knockout rounds on home soil, while England seek to take a further step towards a long-awaited second World Cup title.
