England are not shying away from the formidable task that awaits them at the Azteca Stadium and say they welcome the challenges that come with the altitude, a hostile atmosphere and the high stakes of a last-16 World Cup showdown against hosts Mexico.
With fears that Mexican supporters could try to disrupt England’s preparations, and the fact that the hosts are conditioned to play at a breathtaking 2,200 meters above sea level, the match is shaping up to be one of the toughest of the tournament.
England, however, insists it wouldn’t have it any other way.
“The build-up and everything around it, the different obstacles that we face, I think just adds to that kind of adrenaline, that kind of excitement that you have as a team, and the prospects of reaching a World Cup quarter-final, and what that means for us as players as well,” attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers told reporters on Friday before the team departed for Mexico.
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“With that extra bit on top, I think it’s a great opportunity.
“Of course we know the difficulties, how well they play, the atmosphere and all that,” he added. “But we know that when we are at our best, we can beat just about anyone.”
Mexico stormed into the knockout stages undefeated and without a goal, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win as they defeated Ecuador in the round of 16.
‘PLAYED IN VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTS’
Striker Marcus Rashford dismissed suggestions that altitude and atmosphere could be decisive.
«It’s a football game. We’ve all been playing football since we were kids and we’ve played in different environments and different atmospheres, some easier than others, some horrible to play in, and disgusting,» he said.
“It’s up to us to try to find a way to come out on top, and that’s what the focus is on… We have to work together and try to be the best we can be, and everything will be fine.”
England have also prepared for the possibility of off-field distractions after Ecuador complained to FIFA that players were kept awake by a gathering of fans outside their hotel before the round of 16.
“Right now I’m not worried about it, but I won’t be happy when I wake up about it,” said Rogers, who joked that he might have to invest in earplugs. “We’ve heard about it and we’ll be ready, as prepared as we can to be ready and get enough sleep and recovery before the game.”
England have not played at the Azteca since the 2-1 quarter-final defeat to eventual champions Argentina in 1986, when Diego Maradona produced both the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and his dazzling solo effort, later dubbed the ‘Goal of the Century’.
The prospect of meeting Mexico in a packed Azteca has only increased the anticipation.
“I expect an incredible atmosphere… We’re going to enjoy the opportunity, enjoy what it brings, enjoy the adversity, everything that goes against us, and use that to our advantage,” Rogers said.
Published on July 4, 2026
