Rashford warns of a tough job against Mexico in Estadio Azteca
Marcus Rashford focuses on the importance of smart play and experience as England take on Mexico in the 2026 World Cup last 16 at the Estadio Azteca. With Mexico strong at home and playing at a high altitude, the England international knows the game will be anything but easy.
England faces a difficult task on Sunday when they face Mexico in the Estadio Azteca, a stadium known for its fanatical atmosphere and its height of no less than 2,200 meters above sea level. Marcus Rashford underlines that proper match management will be crucial for the English in this eighth final of the 2026 World Cup.
After the turnaround against DR Congo in the previous round, in which Harry Kane managed to avert a possible elimination with two goals, the next hurdle awaits: El Tri. Mexico is still undefeated at the World Cup in the Azteca Stadium (8 wins, 2 draws) and has won its last six matches at this iconic location. The meeting with England is Mexico's eleventh World Cup match in the Azteca, with which the country sets a unique record: no team has played more often at one World Cup venue.
England showed varying forms in the group stage of Group L with a strong 4-2 win over Croatia, a goalless draw against Ghana and an economical 2-0 win over Panama. In the round of 16, it is important for national coach Thomas Tuchel and his team to, according to Rashford, 'go deep' amid a hostile atmosphere. "It will be tough. At a World Cup there are no easy matches and different teams provide different challenges," said Rashford. He plays down the impact of the height somewhat: "The height is a factor, but we are all experienced players. We have to approach the match smartly."
Mexico can make history by becoming the second country ever to keep five clean sheets in a row in a World Cup, after Italy (five times in 1990, as host country). Rashford has been impressed by the Mexicans' defensive solidity and their effectiveness in the opening stages. "They are difficult to pass and start games strongly. Mexico has a clearly recognizable playing style. But if we want to reach the final, we will have to beat them – and other top teams."
Predictions say England have a 40.5% chance of beating Mexico in 90 minutes, compared to 31.5% for the home side. An extension is required in 28% of the scenarios. Given the calculations, the chance of England's quarter-final place is 54.6% compared to 45.4% for Mexico.
Outside of the World Cup, there are rumors that Rashford's loan to Barcelona will not be extended now that a special clause has expired. Yet the attacker wants to focus entirely on the national team for the time being: "I live in the moment. Before the World Cup I was clear: my club future is not a topic of discussion until after the tournament. Now only one thing matters: performing with England and writing history together."
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