Manager Thomas Tuchel is concerned about Mexico City’s altitude (Image: Getty)
Manager Thomas Tuchel insisted England will prepare for “everything” that Mexico has in store for their World Cup last-16 clash at the Azteca Stadium, which is located 2,200 meters above sea level. “This is one of the most beautiful matches in football. There will be many obstacles awaiting us, including the altitude,” he said after the Three Lions’ dramatic 2-1 knockout win over the Democratic Republic of Congo thanks to two late goals from Harry Kane.
“My understanding is that you can’t adapt to the altitude. That’s a big advantage for Mexico. It’s physically impossible. The altitude is pretty high. That’s a disadvantage that we have to prepare for and I think today we showed that we have the attitude for it.”
Captain Kane basked in glory after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rescuing England with a breathtaking double in the closing stages. The Three Lions captain’s two talismanic goals, his 71st and 72nd of the season for club and country, set the stage for a thrilling encounter with hosts Mexico at the legendary Azteca Stadium.
Kane said: “It feels amazing to be honest. What a crazy game. The keeper made some unbelievable saves, but if you keep going, those moments will come. No matter who you are, we all have our hero moments.”
“We have to be patient in these games. The last few games have been very similar. There’s more pressure. But the important thing is to be ourselves.”
The Bayern Munich superstar took matters into his own hands by requesting a players-only huddle after the final whistle. He gave a passionate and heartfelt speech after steering England away from the most humiliating World Cup exit in history.
Kane continued: “From an attacking point of view, this is our best performance so far. We’re at a part of the tournament where we have to keep winning.”
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Harry Kane scores twice to propel England into the last 16 (Image: Getty)
“I just told the players to enjoy themselves. As an England player, sometimes you don’t celebrate the way you should. Like any other country, we’re done. Enjoy. Once you get past 90 minutes, we’re difficult to cope with.”
Meanwhile, manager Tuchel joked: “That’s what we expect from him! That’s what he expects of himself. The difficult games, the close games, Harry is here to decide them. At the top level.”
“If everyone gets what they like, we can score early, score again and have an easy afternoon. We have to deal with each situation that comes our way. They scored very early.
“After the water break, we had four or five chances. The penalty situation was not in our favor. We kept knocking, knocking, knocking. That reaction and belief is unparalleled. We found a way to win. We deserved it.”
Declan Rice similarly praised Kane’s deadly instincts in front of goal, saying: “He’s going to get chances. If you give him a chance, it’s a goal, I personally think that. I’ve seen it many times.”
“His goals, the way he scores them are ridiculous. His whole scoring mentality, 72 goals this season, it’s just ridiculous. So give him credit.”
