Thomas Tuchel faces a tactical puzzle at the Azteca Stadium, where England must break down a Mexico side that hasn’t conceded a goal all tournament, while also managing the effects of playing 7,220ft above sea level.
England travel to face Mexico in their World Cup last-16 tie carrying an unwanted tournament trend: a struggle to break down teams that sit in a deep, compact defensive block. That challenge is compounded by the setting itself, with the match taking place at the famous Azteca Stadium, sitting around 7,220ft above sea level, where thinner air can bring on muscle fatigue earlier than usual. Facing a Mexico side unbeaten and yet to concede at this tournament, Thomas Tuchel’s task is as much about managing conditions as it is about solving his opponents.
A Defence Built on Four Clean Sheets
Javier Aguirre’s Mexico side arrive at the last 16 having won every game they have played at the tournament without conceding a single goal, recording four consecutive clean sheets along the way. They have also proven notably difficult to beat on home soil, having not lost a competitive match at the Azteca since 2013 — a record that makes England’s task in one of world football’s most intimidating stadiums even harder. Adding to the tactical challenge, Mexico have shown considerable flexibility throughout the tournament, switching between systems built around four and five defenders, and alternating between dominating possession higher up the pitch and sitting deep to catch opponents on the counter.
The Altitude Factor
Playing at altitude presents its own set of problems regardless of the opponent, with players likely to find breathing more difficult and fatigue setting in sooner than at sea level. Tuchel is expected to account for this by adjusting England’s approach out of possession, choosing to sit in a more compact shape for periods of the match rather than pressing high throughout, particularly in the opening stages, in order to conserve energy for when it matters most.
As Bayern Munich assistant coach Rene Maric has put it, there are certain things a coach can control before kick-off no matter who the opposition is — and it’s in that spirit that Tuchel may look to “set the board” in England’s favour before a ball is even kicked.
Making the Most of Set-Pieces
With expansive, open football likely to be harder to sustain in the thin air, analysts believe England could lean more heavily on set-pieces to break Mexico down. Declan Rice’s delivery from corners and free-kicks, combined with Harry Kane’s threat in the air, could prove central to unlocking a defence that has otherwise proven watertight. That approach may also help address a wider issue for Tuchel’s side: despite cruising through the group stages, England have missed more clear-cut chances than any other team at the tournament, a trend the manager will be keen to correct as the competition enters its knockout phase.
No Room for Distraction
Despite the weight of history surrounding the Azteca and England’s past disappointments in Mexico at previous World Cups, Tuchel has been clear that his side won’t be dwelling on the past. The England manager said his players are there to “write our own chapter” rather than let the occasion or old memories shape their approach.
One selection headache remains unresolved heading into the tie: Reece James is still not back in full training because of a hamstring injury, meaning Tuchel is expected to continue with an alternative option at right-back rather than risk the Chelsea defender.
Whoever emerges victorious from Sunday’s contest will face the winner of Brazil against Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals.
