England walk into the Azteca with Rice nursing a knock and James a doubt

England face Mexico at the Azteca, and Aguirre knows who to stop

Sunday afternoon at Estadio Azteca. England 0–0 Mexico in a World Cup last-16 knockout tie, kickoff at the iconic 2,200-metre altitude. Thomas Tuchel called it "a unique occasion" and said his players are not daunted (2).

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre singled out Harry Kane: "He is a world-class figure. We will try to make sure he is not comfortable on the pitch when he drops to receive, that there is always someone on him so he cannot create play" (4).

BBC pundits Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Thomas Hitzlsperger all felt Mexico's front-foot style could suit Tuchel's setup. "Mexico could bring the best out of England," they argued (10).

Rice carrying a knock, James a doubt

Declan Rice is managing an injury but expected to start (11). That is the good news. Reece James missed training and is doubtful, though Jarell Quansah is fit again (12) (14). Right-back remains the problem position Tuchel least wanted unsettled.

Shearer admits Pickford has not hit his usual level

Alan Shearer believes Jordan Pickford has not reached his usual high standards at this tournament, but thinks there is a reason for it (1). The former England captain stopped short of calling for a change ahead of the Mexico match.

Bellingham's runs: England's sharpest edge

Tactical note worth filing away before kickoff: Jude Bellingham's runs behind the defensive line have been one of England's most dangerous weapons. With Kane dropping deep to pull defenders out, the space Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Antony Gordon can attack into is where Tuchel's side has looked most threatening (5).

Tuchel on Viagra rumours: "I do not want to talk about problems that don't exist"

The strangest story of the week is dead. Reports in Germany suggested England might use Viagra to aid altitude adaptation at the Azteca. Tuchel shut it down flat: "Ich möchte nicht über Probleme sprechen, die es gar nicht gibt", I do not want to talk about problems that don't exist (6) (7) (8). The substance is not on the doping list regardless (7).

Tuchel praises Mexico's fans amid tight security

Security around the match is heavy, but Tuchel said the atmosphere has been "nicer than I expected" and that home fans have been "friendly and respectful" (3).

Fan-reaktioner

England fans on Reddit are fixated on the right-back situation, Reece James missing training has lit up the match thread, with supporters split between concern and a shrug. The Azteca altitude, not Mexican hostility, is what most are actually worried about. Alan Shearer's column arguing England players will not fear the occasion has calmed some nerves. Read the full discussion