England defender Marc Guehi has acknowledged that Mexico are the favourites for their upcoming World Cup last-16 clash, citing the formidable atmosphere of the Azteca Stadium and the high altitude as key factors. The match, scheduled for Monday morning, sees Thomas Tuchel's side face a stern test after narrowly advancing past DR Congo.
Altitude and Home Advantage
The Azteca Stadium sits over 7,000 feet above sea level, creating a challenging environment for visiting teams. Mexico have lost only two competitive games at their home stadium since 1966, highlighting their dominance on home soil. Guehi, 25, told BBC Sport: “We know they're a good team and they've got the fans on their side, so it'll be going into the cauldron. But it'll be a fun test. I'd say they're kind of favourites. They're at home and they know the environment a lot better. They haven't conceded so far and have got a perfect record.”
Players Embrace the Challenge
Guehi added that playing at the historic Azteca is a privilege, noting that legends like Pele and Maradona have graced the pitch there. “I was told all of the legends have played there... It’s a real blessing,” he said. Meanwhile, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford downplayed the impact of altitude and Mexico's record. “It doesn't matter,” Rashford stated in a press conference. “It's a game of football at the end of the day... we're going to try to come out on top.”
Team Unity and Preparation
Rashford emphasised the importance of teamwork and adaptability. “We have to work together, work as a unit and try to bring as close to our best as we can, and we'll be fine,” he said. Both players expressed excitement about the match, with Guehi calling it a “fun test” and Rashford noting that the team is focused on finding a way to win despite the challenging environment.
