Mexico has been among the best in both sides of the competition. Javier Aguirre’s self-contained side have made it four wins in four games while scoring just one goal. El Tri progressed through Group A by beating South Africa 2-0, South Korea 1-0 and the Czech Republic 3-0 before defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32 through goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. The win marked Mexico’s first World Cup victory in 40 years and extended their run to four consecutive league titles.
England’s path was not so straightforward. Thomas Tuchel led the Three Lions to the top of Group L with two wins and a draw before his side were eliminated by DR Congo. Brian Cipenga’s early opener left England chasing the game until Harry Kane saved his team with goals in the 75th and 86th minutes, completing a 2-1 comeback. Kane now has five goals in the campaign and continues his pursuit of the Golden Boot as he cements his status as England’s greatest player at the World Cup.
A lot of pre-game attention has been focused on the tough conditions in Mexico City. A severe thunderstorm hit the venue before kick-off, prompting stadium officials to allow the Azteca to sit in the open air due to lightning and torrential rain. FIFA had already reviewed the start of the six-hour period before abandoning the plans after consultation with both governing bodies, and confirmed that the game would go ahead as planned when allowed.
Group stories offer different stories. Mexico enters with a well-rounded and unstoppable squad, which allows Aguirre to retain the defensive unit of Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez and Jesús Gallardo, who formed the toughest defense in the tournament. Luis Romo and Érik Lira continue to provide a central platform in Aguirre’s powerful 4-3-3 system, while Quiñones and Jiménez lead the attack.
England, for now, continues to deal with injuries in defence. Jarell Quansah has recovered from an ankle injury to start at right back after a late tryout. Reece James and Djed Spence are both only fit for a place on the bench, while Declan Rice returns to his midfield role after a brief spell in DR Congo. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon have already started on the wings alongside Harry Kane following their form as substitutes in the previous round.
The atmosphere has also been enhanced by events away from the pitch. England’s plans were disrupted when hundreds of Mexican supporters gathered outside the team’s hotel in the early hours of the morning, using firecrackers, sirens, motorcycle engines, horns and loudspeakers to distract the visitors. The incident led to a heavy police presence around the England hotel and followed Ecuador’s complaint to FIFA for similar treatment before their Round of 32 defeat in Mexico.
One of the most famous football stadiums now has an important competition. Mexico are trying to end years of disappointment at home, while England are looking for another step towards a long-awaited second World Cup title.