England coach Thomas Tuchel makes difficult decision against Mexico (Image: Getty)
England face a huge challenge tonight when they defeat World Cup co-hosts Mexico on their own high ground at the Azteca Stadium. The Three Lions are aiming to become only the third away team since 1966 to win a competitive match on their home turf in Mexico City, following Honduras in 2013 and Costa Rica in 2001.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has a lot to think about, including choosing his starting XI. England have struggled defensively in previous tournaments and will face a hungry Mexico side looking to break through. Express Sport picks the eleven they think can beat Mexico and record a historic victory…
There are no surprises on the internet. Number one Jordan Pickford retains his place in the starting lineup and is approaching his 100th cap. The Everton shot-stopper didn’t hide behind the glory of the Democratic Republic of Congo goal, but he is used to England’s high-pressure moments as a key member of the team that reached the final of the European Championship for the second consecutive year.
James Trafford has a big future ahead of him if he can leave Manchester City and play in a regular Premier League, but this is Pickford’s World Cup. He will need to be at his best in Mexico, as keeping a clean sheet will mean a lot to England.
Defense: Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly
This is where the dilemma begins. Do we keep our faith in Jed Spence or drop him? We drop him. why? The main reason is that England’s back line needs more direction and leadership. John Stones provides that and is sublime on the ball.
Good possession will be crucial against Mexico’s press, which will have the Aztec crowd bleeding and screaming. Stones, the right centre-back, and Ezri Konsa, the right-back, could provide much-needed extra solidity in a game where England are sure to struggle at times.
Especially since one of Mexico’s best players is left winger Julian Quinones, who scored three goals. Mark Guehi and Nico O’Reilly will complete England’s back four. This means three of the four players are teammates at Manchester City and know each other well.
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Bukayo Saka returns to England and could start against Mexico (Image: Getty)
Midfield: Rice, Anderson, Bellingham
England’s midfield will need to be more organized against Mexico. They are guilty of leaving big gaps to cover, which sometimes leads to problems for the back four.
However, it is clear that Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson remain the best partnership. England will have to hope Rice is healthy enough to play at least 60-70 minutes. Otherwise, his absence could decide the game.
Jude Bellingham has been in great form for England in North America and, as a man who enjoys the big moments, he will only start hoping to score another game for his country.
Attack: Saka, Kane, Gordon
Let’s start with the obvious. England’s savior, captain Harry Kane, will lead the line. But next to him, Bukayo Saka, is a real conundrum. Fully fit, he is clearly England’s best right-winger. But it’s clear he’s not 100 percent sharp at the moment, which is why he doesn’t start every game.
However, his main backup, Noni Madueke, has underperformed in the tournament so far. Maduke is fitter and fresher, but not at the level that Saka can play. And with Konsa stepping up defensively, we’re betting on Saka to start.
Would you choose Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon or Morgan Rodgers on the left wing? Rashford really struggled against the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was underwhelming against Panama, but there may be room for him to do more against Mexico. However, Gordon’s defensive work ethic and his two-assist cameo in the last game mean he is well-deserved. That’s the kind of person we’re aiming for.
