England will have to overcome a team in great form, unstable weather and the effects of playing at an altitude of over 2100 meters – if they are to reach the World Cup quarter-finals where a Norway, who has just beaten Brazil, awaits.
The match was postponed due to thunder. – When it starts, you can follow it in our Live service.
Read: Talks held: Newcastle ‘at the front of the queue’ to sign ‘incredible’ World Cup star
Thomas Tuchel’s men face co-hosts Mexico on Sunday night at the iconic Azteca Stadium – one of football’s most legendary venues, and a fortress for the home side. Mexico has played 89 games at the stadium, won 70, drawn 17 – and lost only two.
The air is thin at high altitude, and that affects the players more than you might think.
“Maximum aerobic capacity at this altitude usually drops around 10 percent, and that has a negative effect on performance,” Dr. Barney Wainwright, senior researcher at Leeds Beckett University, told the BBC.
“Expect an increase in fatigue of 15-20 percent, and that players cover 5-10 percent less distance. Players produce lactate much faster, which builds up acidity in the muscles and slows them down. The maximum sprint speed is not affected, but the recovery time between each sprint will be longer.
“We need oxygen in the brain for perception and decision-making. Especially in intense moments, it can affect crucial choices,” he adds.
Altitude can also affect sleep – as can hundreds of fireworks-blasting Mexicans, as shown before the round of 32 against Ecuador. England tried to keep their hotel stay a secret, but the location was quickly leaked – and with that came the fear that the squad could become a target.
The weather can turn everything around
Thunderstorms are expected in Mexico City on Sunday evening, and there have already been reports that FIFA was considering bringing kick-off forward. The match was eventually confirmed for 18:00 local time – but the risk of postponement is real.
The extra problems surrounding the game would have felt less serious if England had been in the flow zone. But the Three Lions have been anything but convincing so far.
Apart from 45 minutes of brilliant football against Croatia in the opening match, Tuchel has seen his team struggle against Ghana (goalless), Panama and DR Congo – with inconsistent performances and a lack of flow.
Mexico soars
Mexico, on the other hand, has been flying.
Javier Aguirre’s side have won all four games in the championship – and have yet to concede a single goal.
Striker Raúl Jiménez says:
“We are fully focused and united. That sense of unity and family spirit drives us to great things. We still have one game left here in Mexico, and we know what’s at stake. We give it our all and continue to give the fans something to cheer about. Since Vasco [Aguirre] took over, we have had a real sense of unity. The sky is the limit.
Team news
Mexico: Has no new injuries, and Aguirre can field an unchanged team.
England: Declan Rice is expected to be ready despite a hamstring injury. Djed Spence is likely to continue at right-back in the absence of Reece James. Tuchel could bring in Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon on the wings.
Probable line-ups
Mexico (XI): Rangel – Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo – Romo, Lira, Mora – Alvarado, Jiménez, Quiñones
England (XI): Pickford – Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly – Rice, Anderson – Saka, Bellingham, Gordon – Kane
Key figures
- This is England’s first match at the Azteca since the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals – when Diego Maradona scored with the “hand of God”
- Mexico’s win over Ecuador was their first in a playoff game since 1986
- Mexico has never lost a World Cup match at the Azteca – eight wins and two draws in ten games
- England have won the last four meetings between the teams
Our Prediction
This is a very tough game for England – and it will be a great achievement to get through.
It can go all the way to the last minute.
Divination: Mexico 2–2 England (England advance on penalties)
