Ahead of the Mexico vs England World Cup last 16 clash, Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and predicted lineups.
Mexico head into the game on the back of a straightforward 2-0 victory over Ecuador to reach the last 16, while England made hard work of beating DR Congo 2-1 and had Harry Kane’s two goals to thank.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Mexico vs England.
Read More: Why Not Us? Mexico’s World Cup Dream Faces Its Greatest Test Against England
Mexico vs England Latest Team News and Predicted Lineups
Date: Sunday, June 5, Mexico, Monday, June 6, UK
Venue: Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), Mexico City
Kick-off: 6 pm local, 1 am BST,
Last meeting: England 3-1 Mexico, 2010, Wembley Stadium
Referee: Alireza Faghani (Australia)
Current odds:
Mexico Team News
Consistency in performance and everyone in this Mexico squad knowing their role has been what has resulted in a perfect record this tournament for El Tri. In four games, they have yet to concede a goal.
With teenager Gilberto Mora holding his own in the Mexico midfield, he’s set to start, while the solid defence consisting of Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Jesus Gallardo, and Jorge Sanchez should continue.
Mexico’s top scorer with three goals and Premier League veteran Raul Jimenez should start up front, and Julian Quinones on the wing. With no forced changes or injuries, expect to see Mora dueling with the likes of Declan Rice for control of the midfield at the altitude of Estadio Azteca.
Quinones did a brief interview with Mexican broadcaster TUDN, where he said “We won’t change the things we’re doing well, we’re sticking to our guns”, even though England will be the toughest opponent they have faced this tournament.
England Team News
Reece James and Jarell Quansah have travelled to Mexico City with the rest of the squad, but both are in a race to be fit to be included in the squad.
Once again, should Reece James be declared unfit to start, Thomas Tuchel will have a headache as to who to start at right back. Djed Spence played there against DR Congo but Tuchel could also play Ezri Konsa there and bring John Stones back into defence. Another option could be to move Declan Rice from midfield as he did during the last game; however, Tuchel would prefer to keep Rice in the middle of the field.
Marcus Rashford did not have the best of games against Congo and appears to be a better option as an impact substitute.
Thomas Tuchel Expects the Worst Mexico Can Throw at England
Ahead of the game, England boss Thomas Tuchel spoke about how he and his team are expecting every trick in the book from the Mexicans. He said: “I expect the worst, I’m prepared for the worst and let’s see. Let’s see what happens in traffic and the noise outside the stadium and how long we have to go through passport control.
“Whatever tricks they have up their sleeves, I expect the worst and I expect every trick. Just smile and focus on what we can influence and we’ll be fine.
Mexico Predicted Lineup
Raul ‘Tala’ Rangel
Jorge Sanchez
Cesar Montes
Johan Vasquez
Jesus Gallardo
Erik Lira
Luis Romo
Gilberto Mora
Roberto Alvarado
Raul Jimenez
Julian Quinones
England Predicted Lineup
Pickford
Konza
Stones
Guehi
O’Reilly
Rice
Anderson
Bellingham
Gordon
Madueke
Kane
Featured image courtesy of Imago/Action Plus
