England faces Mexico at Azteca stadium, recalling Maradona's infamous handball

England will clash with Mexico on Sunday in the round of 16 at the historic Azteca stadium, a venue that holds memories of the infamous Maradona handball. This match marks England's return to the site of their 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat, where they were bested by Argentina in a match that still haunts English fans.

England's Struggles Leading to the Match

Under the management of Thomas Tuchel, England has faced a series of underwhelming performances this tournament. Their journey began with a disappointing loss to Croatia, followed by a draw against Ghana and a narrow victory over Panama. Most recently, they survived a scare against DR Congo, raising concerns about their readiness for the formidable Mexican side.

Compounding their challenges is the 2,200-metre altitude of Mexico City, which Tuchel acknowledged provides a significant advantage to the home team. “It is maybe one of the most beautiful fixtures...to play against Mexico in the Azteca,” he stated. However, he expressed concerns over the team's ability to adapt physically in just four days.

Mexico's Confidence and Records

In contrast, Mexico heads into this match filled with confidence after winning all four of their World Cup matches without conceding a goal. This remarkable feat has not been achieved by any team since Brazil in 1986 and Italy in 1990. Their latest victory, a decisive 2-0 win over Ecuador, marked their first knockout stage win in 40 years, showcasing a first-half performance that many have described as one of the best in their history.

Mexico's remarkable record at the Azteca stadium cannot be overlooked. They have lost only twice in 89 matches played there, and with this being the last World Cup fixture at the iconic venue, the team is eager to leave a lasting impression. The fervent support for Mexico extends beyond the stadium, with over one million fans celebrating their recent success.

Historical Context and Current Preparations

The ghosts of past World Cups linger for England, particularly the 1970 tournament, which was marred by food poisoning that affected key players. Gordon Banks, the team's goalkeeper, was unable to play in a critical quarter-final match against West Germany, leading to a heartbreaking defeat.

In preparation for potential disruptions from passionate Mexican fans, Tuchel's team is keeping their hotel location under wraps. “We will expect that,” Tuchel remarked when asked about the prospect of sleepless nights caused by local supporters. “But what shall we do? We will bring stuff (like ear plugs) of course, but I expect everything.”