England were met by hundreds of Mexico supporters outside their team hotel before Sunday’s World Cup last-16 tie at the Estadio Azteca. The match remains scheduled for 6pm local time, or 1am Monday in the UK, after FIFA considered but did not make a late kick-off change due to storm forecasts.
The atmosphere around the fixture is already intense. The source reports that Mexico fans had earlier used noise outside Ecuador’s hotel before Mexico’s 2-0 win, and that security has since been increased around England’s accommodation and in the city.
On the pitch, England are preparing for a demanding away-style occasion at altitude. Marc Guehi has framed Mexico as having the advantage because of home conditions and support, while Declan Rice has said England must handle whatever the environment brings.
The Azteca setting adds another layer to the tie: around 2,200 metres above sea level, it is a venue loaded with football history and local momentum. For England, who reached this round by beating DR Congo 2-1, the challenge is not only Mexico’s form but the pressure surrounding the occasion.
Discussion
Sign in to join the discussion.
Sign in / Register