EA Sports FC 26 has simulated England's World Cup Round of 16 clash against Mexico, predicting a 3-1 victory for the Three Lions in Mexico City. The simulation, run ahead of the real match, saw Harry Kane miss a penalty before scoring, with Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson also on the scoresheet.
Starting line-ups and selection headaches
Thomas Tuchel's England faced altitude concerns at the Estadio Azteca, sitting 7,220ft above sea level. Right-back remained a problem, with Djed Spence keeping his place despite an underwhelming performance against DR Congo, as Reece James and Jarrell Quansah were unavailable. The simulated Tuchel made three changes: Marcus Rashford, Noni Madueke and Ezri Konsa were replaced by Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka and John Stones.
England's simulated starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham; Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon.
Match simulation: early scare and Kane's penalty miss
The simulation began with an early scare for England, as Mexico forward Julian Quinones forced a reflex save from Jordan Pickford on four minutes. On 21 minutes, England won a penalty after Johan Vasquez handled the ball. Kane stepped up but skewed his penalty wide of the left-hand post.
Kane made amends four minutes before half-time, driving a powerful shot past Mexican goalkeeper Raul Rangel. In first-half injury time, Jude Bellingham doubled the lead after being found unmarked on the six-yard box by Nico O'Reilly.
Second half: Anderson seals the win
The second half was initially cagey, but Elliot Anderson scored England's third on 67 minutes, finishing a patient move involving first-touch passing from the forwards. Mexico pulled one back seven minutes later when Quinones capitalised on a disjointed England backline.
In added time, Raul Gimenez tested Pickford, but the goalkeeper's footwork preserved the 3-1 lead. The simulation ended with Mexico 1-3 England.
What the result means for England
If the simulation proves accurate, England would face either Brazil or Norway in Miami on July 11. A potential semi-final against Lionel Messi's Argentina in Atlanta could follow. The simulation echoes England's penalty drama from previous tournaments, but this time Kane's miss did not prove costly.
