Mexico ready for ‘game of our lives’ as England face daunting World Cup test at Azteca

• Mexico’s players believe home advantage at the Estadio Azteca can help them overcome England in the World Cup round of 16.
• Raúl Jiménez said the squad are united and determined to produce the biggest performance of their careers.
• Authorities will increase security in Mexico City following fatalities during celebrations after El Tri’s group-stage victory over Ecuador.

Mexico’s players have declared they are ready to produce the performance of their lives against England as Javier Aguirre’s side prepare to defend their formidable home record in Sunday’s World Cup round-of-16 clash at the Estadio Azteca.

El Tri head into the knockout tie with confidence after winning all three of their group matches at the iconic stadium, defeating South Africa, Czechia and Ecuador without conceding a goal.

Mexico have lost only twice in 89 matches at the Azteca, while England must contend with a partisan crowd and the challenge of playing at an altitude of more than 2,200 metres above sea level.

Midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo believes the home advantage could prove decisive.

“I think England knows it’s going to be a difficult match for them,” Fidalgo said.

“We’re in great form, the Azteca carries weight, and these are the World Cup round of 16. That’s never easy for anyone.”

Fidalgo, who has spent the past five years playing in Mexico, admitted the altitude can be demanding but believes the occasion will outweigh any physical discomfort.

“When I arrived here five years ago, during the first two weeks, my throat would tighten every time I ran,” he said.

“But it’s not the same to train as it is to play in a World Cup round-of-16 match. The adrenaline and the desire to play make everything much easier. You have to leave everything on the field, so you can’t hold anything back. Whether it’s an advantage or not, we’ll see in the opening minutes tomorrow.”

Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez said the unity within the squad has been a major factor behind Mexico’s progress to the knockout stage.

“Everything we’ve seen over these weeks, this past month, is that we’re all united,” Jiménez said.

“Everyone is pulling in the same direction, whether playing or supporting from the bench. We’re all committed to what we want to achieve, and I think that will help us. Of course, the fans in the stadium will also play an important role.”

Jiménez added that facing England on the World Cup stage only increases the significance of the occasion.

“It’s always important. It’s not just because it’s England, it’s because it’s the World Cup,” he said.

“We want to make it the best game of our lives.”

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre acknowledged the size of the challenge but backed his players to rise to the occasion.

“We are talking about a world-class side, so we will need to play a near-perfect match to beat them,” Aguirre said.

“We have to try to perform even better than we have during our recent growth and see if we can get that stroke of luck that always helps in such evenly matched games.”

Fidalgo admitted eliminating England would rank among the greatest victories in Mexico’s history.

“We all agreed that we wanted a match like this, especially at this stage,” he said.

“Beating a team like England would make it even more special. We’re really excited about this game and can’t wait for it.”

Away from the pitch, Mexico City authorities confirmed security will be increased around the Angel of Independence monument and the official fan festival in the city’s main square following the deaths of four supporters during celebrations after Mexico’s group-stage victory over Ecuador.

Mexico legend Guillermo Ochoa offered his condolences to the families affected while urging supporters to continue backing the national team responsibly.

“To our fans, I’d ask them to keep enjoying the moment and to continue supporting us,” Ochoa said.

“We can truly feel it, and in the stadium, they inspire us. Many times, they’re the ones who push us to find that extra effort.”

“I’d also like to send my condolences and support to the families of those who lost their lives after the celebrations on Reforma. It’s heartbreaking that something like this happened during what should have been a celebration.”

Mexico face England on Sunday with a place in the World Cup quarterfinals at stake.