Mexico set up potential England last-16 tie as Tuchel faces heat

Mexico await in the last 16, if you beat DR Congo

Mexico beat Ecuador 2–0 on Tuesday to book their place in the last 16 (2) (5) (6). Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored the goals at the Azteca, ending Mexico's knockout-stage drought (2) (6). Ecuador finished with 10 men (5).

England face Mexico next if they get past DR Congo. The bracket is set. One game at a time.

Tuchel under fire before a match England should win comfortably

Thomas Tuchel is taking heavy criticism ahead of the DR Congo tie (1). The Round of 32 match against a team England are expected to beat has done nothing to quiet the noise. German outlet n-tv described the mood as panic mode (1).

Tuchel responds to the critics

Tuchel addressed the criticism directly: "Winning is what matters. We are in a knockout tournament now" (4). He did not duck the questions about England's last two performances, but he is not changing his approach (4).

Penalties, the Southgate blueprint stays

Tuchel confirmed England will stick to Sir Gareth Southgate's penalty shootout preparation system (3). The same structure that got England over the line in past tournaments remains in place. With the knockout stage here, that matters more than ever.

Chalobah in the frame at right back

Reece James is out of the DR Congo match, and Trevoh Chalobah could step in (7). Jarell Quansah is also unavailable for the tie, leaving right back as a problem position Tuchel has to solve fast (7).

Fan-reaktioner

The mood is tense. Fans on r/soccer are worried about the right-back situation, with James and Quansah both confirmed out. The potential Mexico clash in the last 16 is already on everyone's mind, and there is little patience for the criticism swirling around Tuchel. Read the thread.