Thomas Tuchel has declared it a “huge disadvantage” that England are facing Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in their next World Cup match. The Three Lions came from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32 in Atlanta on Wednesday, thanks to a late brace from captain Harry Kane, setting up a massive last-16 showdown with the tournament co-hosts. The game kicks off at 1am BST on Monday morning in the UK.
Altitude and fortress stadium
The iconic 87,523-capacity Azteca in Mexico City is 7,400 feet above sea level and will test the England players’ ability to deal with high-altitude conditions. Mexico have an exceptional record at their home fortress, winning 70 and losing only two of their 89 previous competitive games at the venue. Their last defeat at the Azteca came back in September 2013. Mexico are riding a wave at this World Cup, having won all four games so far, scoring eight goals and conceding none.
Each of those matches has been on home soil, and all but one at the Azteca, where they were roared on by a passionate crowd on Tuesday. First-half goals from Julian Quinones and Wolves striker Raul Jimenez saw them defeat 10-man Ecuador 2-0 in a first World Cup knockout win since they last hosted the tournament in 1986. Kick-off in that game was delayed by an hour due to stormy weather.
England's previous visit
England’s last visit to the Azteca was at the 1986 World Cup, where they lost 2-1 to Argentina in the quarter-finals courtesy of Diego Maradona’s second-half brace – the infamous ‘Hand of God’, which was followed quickly by arguably the greatest goal in the competition’s history.
Tuchel's concerns
“I'm not sure we are ready, because it's a huge disadvantage for us because Mexico play there since the tournament started and they have adapted to the altitude,” Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live after the dramatic win over DR Congo at the air-conditioned Atlanta Stadium, where the retractable roof was closed. “We don't have enough time to adapt. It's a big disadvantage and I'm not sure if we get a lot of other disadvantages.
“I'm not sure if the travel will be smooth, if the sleep will be smooth, if there's noise outside the hotel. OK, bring it on. It's a very beautiful and exciting fixture. There will be lots of obstacles, but this team will be ready whatever it takes.”
