England have been given tactical advice on how to overcome co-hosts Mexico in their World Cup last-16 clash, with former USA international Brad Friedel describing the Mexican side as "average" and highly beatable. Thomas Tuchel's team secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against DR Congo on Wednesday, with a late Harry Kane brace ensuring they topped their group and set up the showdown with Mexico.
Mexico's Altitude Advantage
Mexico have been imperious in the tournament, winning all four of their matches so far, matching France's perfect record. However, their biggest advantage may be the environment at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, which sits over 7,000 feet above sea level. The high altitude affects oxygen levels, reducing endurance and sprint capacity for unaccustomed players. Mexico have played three of their four matches at the Azteca, giving them a significant home-field edge.
Brad Friedel, who made 450 Premier League appearances, acknowledged the altitude factor but downplayed Mexico's quality. "Mexico is so average guys, they're so average. I've played against them for years, because they're playing at altitude, they look faster than anybody," Friedel said on the Netflix show Rest is Football. "They're an average, below average, they are so beatable and their fans get on them. I don't care if they play a low block or a high block, they score, just get through the first 15 minutes and they will win the game."
Key Advice: Don't Concede First
Friedel warned England against replicating their slow start against DR Congo, where they fell behind early. He stressed that conceding first at altitude would be disastrous. "Just don't concede the first goal, what they try to do is suffocate you, they've created five chances in each of the games but the players are dead after 20 minutes because they're fighting this uphill battle but England are so much better than," he added. "It'd be a complete shame if they were knocked out because of the altitude."
England have been based in Kansas City and will travel to each venue. Reports indicate they will depart for Mexico City on Friday afternoon, giving them limited time to acclimatise. Tuchel acknowledged the challenge: "Not to mention the altitude will be, of course, a big disadvantage, because we cannot physically adapt to it in four days. It's just impossible and more obstacles will maybe come. But we are ready for that, we need it maybe."
Historical Context Favours Mexico
History is on Mexico's side: they reached the quarter-finals in both previous World Cups they hosted (1970 and 1986). At the Azteca, they have lost only two of their last 70 matches. The co-hosts have impressed throughout the tournament, winning all three group matches against South Africa, South Korea, and Czech Republic, before defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32.
England will need to be at their best to overcome the altitude and a confident Mexican side. Friedel's verdict suggests that if England can avoid an early setback, their superior quality should prevail.
