England face the daunting task of facing Mexico in the last 16 of the World Cup at Azteca, and several members of the Three Lions squad have shared their thoughts on the encounter.
Elliot Anderson and Mark Gehi (Image: Getty Images)
England star Mark Guehi believes Azteca will be favorites for Mexico’s next World Cup showdown. The Three Lions defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo and will face the Central American team in the last 16 on Monday morning.
The match will be a significant challenge for Thomas Tuchel’s side, given that the match will be played at a stadium more than 7,000 feet above sea level.
Mexico is also a formidable force at home, having lost only two official matches at the same arena since 1966. England defender Guehi believes these factors will give Mexico an advantage during the match, but it is also a challenge the Three Lions are relishing.
“We know they’re a good team and we’ve got the fans on our side, so we’ll be on the cauldron,” the 25-year-old said. “But it will be a fun test. I think they are some kind of favorites. They are at home and they know the environment well. They haven’t conceded a goal so far and they have a perfect record.”
“You come to competitions like this to play against top teams in a great atmosphere. It’s a game we’re all looking forward to.”
Asked further by BBC Sport about playing at the Azteca, he added: “To be honest, I heard that all the legends played there, like Pele and Maradona. It’s a real blessing to be able to play there, as it is one of the great stadiums in football.”
“I think Mexico are probably the favorites to win. The fact that they have done so well in the competition and the fact that they are playing Azteca at home means they have the fans behind them. It will be a big challenge for us, but we are determined and ready.”
Guehi wasn’t the only one to share his thoughts on the upcoming match. Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford also commented that he believes neither the altitude nor Mexico’s record to date will have much of a bearing on the final result.
Mark Guehi ahead of England vs. Democratic Republic of the Congo (Image: Getty Images)
“That’s not the issue,” he said at a news conference. “At the end of the day, this is a football game and it may be small adjustments that we need to make.
“But at the end of the day, that doesn’t change our outlook on the game or what we’re trying to do. No matter what happens, no matter how the game develops, we’re going to aim to be on top.”
Rashford added: “Listen, this is a football game. We’ve all been playing football since we were kids and we’ve all played in different environments, different atmospheres. Some environments have been easier than others, and some have been horribly uncomfortable to play in.”
“But it’s up to us to try to find a way to get to the top and that’s the focus. Sometimes you need the player next to you and the player next to him.
“But listen, it’s all the same. We have to work together, work as a unit and try to be as close to the best as possible, and we’ll be fine.”
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