Mexico enter the last‑16 as co‑hosts hungry for a repeat of their 1970 and 1986 quarter‑final runs. After a flawless group stage – victories over South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic – they dispatched Ecuador 2‑0 to reach the tie with England. Their fans have created a raucous atmosphere, turning the stadium into a fortress. The altitude of Mexico City sits around 2,240 metres, further taxing visiting teams.

Coach Javier Aguirre sticks to a pragmatic 4‑3‑3, using full‑backs for width while a narrow front three presses high. Centre‑backs Johan Vásquez and César Montes form a shield that has kept El Tri unbeaten and unscored against in the tournament. Offensively, 35‑year‑old striker Raúl Jiménez has netted twice, but the side still lacks a creative spark, leaving the 17‑year‑old midfielder Gilberto Mora as a breakthrough.

Mexico have not conceded a goal in four straight matches, a defensive record that will test England’s fluid attack. If England can cut passing lanes and force El Tri into unfamiliar zones, the hosts may run out of ideas. England will need to exploit set‑piece opportunities and pressure for the 90 minutes. The showdown on 6 July promises a clash of England’s firepower against Mexico’s disciplined resilience.