Why England won't fear Mexico or the Azteca - Shearer

New Delhi, India Jul 5, 2026 ALN: I've heard a lot of talk about the difficult conditions England will face at the Azteca Stadium - but I don't think the players will be worried about any of that.

Instead of having any fear about the different tests they face, they will just be thinking 'bring it on'. I know I would be.

All the talk stops when they run out anyway, and if they play the game rather than the occasion then I think they will win.

Yes, it's going to be tough, because of the altitude and the atmosphere and everything else. Co-hosts Mexico are at home and the crowd could be as much as 80% of their fans, which is very different to anything England have faced at this tournament so far.

But as a player, these are the kind of games and moments you train and work so hard for all your life because to be going to such an iconic stadium and playing in a World Cup in front of a TV audience of millions, with a place in the quarter-finals as the prize, is what you dream of as a boy.

I've wanted to go to the Azteca since I watched the 1986 World Cup on TV as a teenager and this is the first time England have been back since losing that epic quarter-final tie to Argentina. It's going to be an amazing spectacle as well as a unique test.

I have followed England around the United States at this World Cup, and we have had the majority of fans at all four matches so far.

Against DR Congo in Atlanta, around 75% of the crowd were supporting England, but this is going to feel very different and is another reason why it's such an incredible game to look forward to.

I'll be there, co-commentating with Guy Mowbray, and am excited about it as much as the fans are. I bet the players are excited too.

Yes, it's a challenge but I would say to them to embrace it and enjoy it - be positive and show us all what you can do.

Fireworks won't faze the players

The confusion over the kick-off time just added to the noise around this game, but I don't understand how it could have been changed and brought forward earlier than the scheduled time. It was a silly idea because of the way it would have impacted the thousands of fans flying in from all over the world to watch it.

It's been noisy enough in Mexico City anyway - I saw the reception England got when they arrived at their hotel on Friday, and we know Ecuador were kept awake by car horns and fireworks before their last-32 tie.

I would not be surprised at all if we find out later that there was some disruption for England the night before their game too, from an alarm going off at their hotel or something similar. That's nothing new - it sometimes happens when you stay anywhere before a Premier League match as well.

It's annoying but you have to accept it and get on with it.

If it happens, I don't think it will faze the England players, and neither will Mexico's record at the Azteca.

Again, I've heard a lot about that in the past few days, and how they have only lost two out of 89 competitive matches there since 1966.

It's a run of results that deserves respect, but when you look at the list of teams they have played, then they have not exactly faced great opposition every time.

It certainly does not make me think they are unbeatable and again, from a player's perspective, it is the kind of thing you are aware of and think, 'fine, we will embrace this challenge as well'.

More decisions for Tuchel out wide

While I am expecting England to win, Thomas Tuchel has got a few decisions to make about his team.

Whoever plays at right-back will have to deal with Julian Quinones, who is one of Mexico's dangermen with three goals at this World Cup so far.

Tuchel might get more defensive stability there if he plays Djed Spence but, by doing that, England would probably lose a little bit going forward. It's an area to keep an eye on, whoever plays.

The same applies on the wings, where he has continued to switch players around.

On the left, my feeling is Anthony Gordon did enough when he came on against DR Congo to warrant a starting place this time, but I'm less certain whether Noni Madueke or Bukayo Saka will get the nod on the right.

One area I would not change, however, is in the centre of midfield. I would not even contemplate starting Declan Rice at right-back, which is where he ended the Congo game, because along with Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham he gives us such a nice balance in the middle.

Whatever team Tuchel picks, though, we will have to start the game much quicker than we did against DR Congo.

If we do start slowly, and go a goal down again, we are going to find it very difficult to come back.

France are still the team to beat

The last 16 is the time when the tournament really gets going and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.

There's no doubt that the best story so far of this World Cup has been Cape Verde and what they did against Spain to claim a goalless draw and then Argentina.

Ultimately, they were beaten by the defending champions, but the way they took the game to them was incredible, and the players can hold their heads up high in defeat.

As for the best team, well that's still France.

From what I've seen so far, nothing has changed my mind from when I picked them as winners before a ball was kicked.

They are still the team to beat - I just hope England get through their half of the draw to have a go at them in the final.

Similarly, I am sticking with Kylian Mbappe as my pick to win the race for the Golden Boot.

It's incredible looking at the top of the list of goalscorers because every name you thought would be up there is on it.

Mbappe still has to be favourite because France will probably go all the way and he will score most of their goals, but hopefully Harry Kane will give him a run for his money all the way to the final as well - starting with a couple more against Mexico.

The Azteca Stadium, known for its rich history and its unique atmosphere, has hosted numerous memorable matches over the years, including the famous 1986 World Cup quarter-final between England and Argentina, where Diego Maradona delivered his legendary performances. This adds an extra layer of significance for the English team, as they seek to not only advance in the tournament but also to exorcise past demons associated with that match.

The altitude of Mexico City, sitting at over 2,200 meters above sea level, presents another challenge. The thinner air can affect players’ stamina and performance, especially in the early stages of the match. However, England's preparation and conditioning, along with their experience in high-pressure situations, could mitigate these factors. Players often acclimatize to such environments during training camps, and the mental fortitude developed from previous international competitions can play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges.

The implications of this match extend beyond just a place in the quarter-finals. A victory against Mexico could serve as a significant confidence booster for England, particularly given the historical context of their past encounters. It would also send a message to the other teams in the tournament about England's capabilities and resilience. Conversely, a loss could raise questions about the team's ability to perform under pressure, especially in a hostile environment.

As the tournament progresses, the dynamics of the competition change. Teams that were once considered underdogs can rise to prominence, as seen with Cape Verde, demonstrating that anything can happen in knockout . The unpredictability of the World Cup is one of its most captivating aspects, and each match carries the potential for surprises and upsets.

In summary, while the challenges posed by the Azteca Stadium and the Mexican team are significant, England has the talent and experience to rise to the occasion. The focus should be on their game plan, execution, and mental resilience. If they can channel their excitement and energy positively, they have every chance of progressing further in the tournament, setting the stage for what could be an unforgettable journey in this World Cup.

Ultimately, the match against Mexico will not only test England's ing abilities but also their character and determination as they strive to achieve their ambitions on the world stage. As fans, we can only hope for a thrilling encounter that lives up to the expectations and history of the World Cup.