England face one of their toughest tests of the World Cup when they take on hosts Mexico in the last 16 at the iconic Azteca Stadium, while Brazil prepare for a high-profile meeting with Norway in another heavyweight knockout fixture.
The two ties could shape the quarter-final line-up, with the winners of England versus Mexico set to face either Brazil or Norway in the next round.
England head into the clash with Mexico knowing they must overcome more than their opponents to reach the quarter-finals.
The match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City will be played 7,220ft above sea level, presenting challenging conditions after England’s previous matches in Dallas, Atlanta, Boston and New Jersey.
Mexico have yet to concede a goal in the tournament and have lost only two competitive matches in 88 games at the Azteca, where supporters have created an intense atmosphere ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
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England also have an unhappy history at the venue. Their last appearance at the stadium came in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, remembered for Diego Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal and his famous solo effort.
The Azteca also witnessed England’s failed attempt to retain the World Cup in 1970, when they surrendered a two-goal lead to West Germany in the quarter-finals after goalkeeper Gordon Banks missed the match because of illness.
Tuchel expects difficult conditions
England manager, Thomas Tuchel, acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side.
“We saw the excitement and the emotions of the people when we arrived. They were emotional but also very, very respectful.
“We felt the energy of the place right away, the people on the streets. You can feel the excitement. This is a next-level setting.
“I felt straight away this would be a proper World Cup game. We are in an iconic place and an iconic stadium. It is just the biggest stage, and we feel it.”
On the conditions, he added, “Mexico will give us a taste of the intensity, the heat and we must find solutions to that.
“It will be emotional and full of support for the home team. We are at a stadium that can create an atmosphere to the advantage of the home team and create momentum and belief, but we have very experienced players.”
Tuchel also admitted the altitude had already affected preparations.
“We feel it. I felt a slight headache, didn’t sleep as well, but nothing I can’t handle.
“The players felt it in the first minute of the training, the longer it went on they adapted. It is not a coincidence that Mexico starts matches here on the front foot, the first 15 minutes will be the toughest for us.”
Tactical battle awaits
England’s performance against the Democratic Republic of Congo exposed difficulties in dealing with teams that build from deep, and analysts believe Mexico could pose similar problems.
Mexico have alternated between different tactical systems during the tournament, using both four- and five-man defences while varying their approach between high possession and counter-attacking football.
Former Bayern Munich assistant coach Rene Maric believes defending teams often dictate how matches develop.
“You can choose your defending strategy without regard to your opposition and be somewhat successful; barring huge differences in quality, you will not be able to do the same offensively.
“Basically, the defending team sets the board and the attacking team plays the game. For me, ‘proactive’ means acting with an intention of creating specific situations. This is harder to do when attacking.”
England struggled against Ghana’s compact defensive block during the group stage, and Tuchel may opt for a more measured approach to reduce the physical demands created by the altitude while limiting Mexico’s quick starts.
Mexico dreaming of historic progress
Excitement has gripped Mexico City ahead of the fixture, with fans gathering around the stadium and across the capital.
Televisa reporter Gibran Araige Rodriguez described the significance of the match.
“It is the most important football game in the life of Mexico. It is the most important game in the history of the Azteca.
“It is 40 years since Mexico reached the last eight of the World Cup and it is the dream of the whole country to do it this time.
“It is even more important that it is against such a big country like England. We see the Premier League and European leagues here, so we see Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham. They are some of the best players in the world.”
He added, “Mexico is confident but never over-confident because this is England. The Mexico team is good and we have not conceded a goal.”
Brazil, Norway renew Haaland-Gabriel rivalry
Elsewhere, Brazil take on Norway in another standout last-16 tie featuring one of football’s fiercest individual rivalries.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will once again face Arsenal defender Gabriel after a series of heated confrontations in the Premier League.
Former England striker Chris Sutton believes the duel could decide the contest.
“For all the battling for the Golden Boot between the greats such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Haaland, there have not been any great personal duels. Now we have one.
“This is the standout personal duel of the World Cup so far and make no mistake, it will have a huge bearing on the outcome of the game.”
Former England captain Alan Shearer also expects an intense contest.
“That will be a great battle because there is definitely a bit of niggle there.
“They don’t like each other which is fine, you don’t have to like your opponent, and we have seen them have clashes before so that’s definitely one to look forward to.”
The fixture also carries historical significance, with Brazil having never beaten Norway in four previous meetings, recording two draws and two defeats.
The winners of the Brazil-Norway tie will meet the winners of England versus Mexico in the World Cup quarter-finals.
