England manager Thomas Tuchel said his side relished the chance to play in one of the world’s most famous stadiums as they completed preparations for Saturday’s World Cup last-16 showdown against hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
The visitor trained at Pumas UNAM’s Cantera complex after arriving in Mexico City on Friday, where he felt the altitude for the first time before facing an unbeaten Mexico backed by a raucous home crowd.
“We are in an iconic place, an iconic stadium, a huge match, a knockout match against Mexico at the Azteca,” Tuchel told reporters. “It is an iconic match and a big stage, and we feel that.”
Much of the build-up has focused on the 2,200-metre altitude of Mexico City after England had just four days between victory over DR Congo in the round of 32 and Sunday’s match.
However, the England players appeared relaxed during the 15-minute training session open to the media, joking and smiling with each other as they went through their warm-up exercises.
Tuchel acknowledged the conditions during England’s first training session in the capital and insisted his players would not use them as an excuse.
“The players already felt it in the first minutes of training and the longer it went on, they were able to deal with it better,” said the German. “It just is what it is.”
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The England manager also dismissed suggestions that his side were expecting a hostile reception despite facing off against the co-host in front of a fervent home crowd.
“I don’t expect a hostile environment,” he said. «I think it will be emotional and full of support for the homeland. Height, it is what it is. Home crowd, it is what it is.»
“We have obstacles to overcome, but we have the spirit, the dedication, the sheer will and the glue in the team to overcome these things.”
Midfielder Jordan Henderson said England had embraced the magnitude of the event rather than the challenges surrounding it.
“It doesn’t get much better or bigger than playing Mexico in Mexico City in this stadium,” the 36-year-old said.
«It’s an incredible event for everyone. Mexico is a very good team. It will be a very tough test, but everyone is looking forward to coming to play this match.»
Henderson echoed his manager’s view that England’s focus remained on factors they could control.
“Anything we have no control over, such as height or kick-off times, is out of our control,” he said.
«For us, it’s about full focus on the job at hand. No excuses. We’re ready to go.»
England return to the Aztecs for the first time since their 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat to eventual champions Argentina for a competitive match, remembered for Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal and his brilliant solo effort later dubbed the ‘Goal of the Century’.
Tuchel dismissed the idea that Sunday’s match carried any sense of unfinished business.
“We are not here for revenge,” he said. «We are here to write our own chapters. We are in good spirits and ready for tomorrow.»
Published on July 5, 2026
