Former England striker Stan Collymore has heavily criticised FIFA for allowing World Cup co-hosts Mexico to play at the high-altitude Estadio Azteca. However, midfielder Declan Rice insists the squad remain completely unfazed by the hostile conditions ahead of their round-of-16 tie.
Gary Neville believes England's right-back problems could derail their World Cup campaign after Declan Rice was forced to fill the role against DR Congo. The former defender warned Thomas Tuchel's unsettled defence is becoming a major concern ahead of the last-16 clash.
Former England captain John Terry has questioned Thomas Tuchel's managerial approach following his intense touchline treatment of Djed Spence at the World Cup. The Chelsea legend suggested that the German tactician alters his confrontational behaviour depending on the stature of the player involved.
England were met with boos from Mexico supporters after arriving for their World Cup last-16 tie, having delayed their journey in a bid to protect Thomas Tuchel's tactical plans. The FA has also tightened security measures amid concerns over disruption, fan intimidation and the challenging conditions awaiting the Three Lions.
Thomas Tuchel has some big decisions to make in his England side as they head into their round of 16 game with Mexico in Mexico City. England may be the higher-ranked side, here, but they're not clear favourites. The Azetca - as it is usually known - is a truly horrible place for visiting teams. Mexico have lost just two competitive games there ever. The altitude, the heat, the humidity, the tens of thousands of passionate home fans: everything seems to be going against England here.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
FIFA have dramatically abandoned a controversial proposal to bring forward England’s World Cup round-of-16 clash against Mexico after fierce pushback from both football associations. The world governing body initiated emergency talks regarding a sudden schedule change, sparking widespread anger among team officials before completely reversing their decision.
Mexico take a perfect defensive record into a blockbuster World Cup clash with England as Julián Quiñones chases history and Javier Aguirre eyes another statement win.
Harry Kane has become Lionel Messi-esque for England in terms of his value to the collective cause, with Stan Collymore explaining to GOAL why that is a good thing and how the Three Lions’ record goalscorer is benefitting from a mindset that others have lacked. The prolific Bayern Munich frontman is leading another bid for World Cup glory at present, with a star-studded squad often being carried on his back.
Nicky Butt has questioned Thomas Tuchel's management after England's unconvincing World Cup win over DR Congo. The former Manchester United midfielder criticised the head coach's squad selection, tactical approach and reluctance to deviate from his plan, warning that those decisions could prove costly later in the tournament.
"Football's coming home again, with Tommy Tuchel" were the words that rang around the exterior of Atlanta Stadium as tens of thousands of fans walked out into the Georgia heat following England's 2-1 win over DR Congo. The mood was jubilant. Everyone was happy. England won, DR Congo lost. England are now four victories away from ending 60 years of hurt and winning a long-coveted World Cup.
Anthony Gordon has heaped immense praise on England team-mate Harry Kane, claiming the striker is currently operating at a level comparable to Lionel Messi. Gordon's comments follow Kane's dramatic late brace that rescued England from a shock World Cup exit against DR Congo, highlighting his consistency and elite mindset on the biggest international stage.
England manager Thomas Tuchel believes his team will receive karmic justice at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday, four decades after Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal. As England prepare to face 2026 World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the last-16, Tuchel is backing his players to banish the ghosts of 1986 and finally make peace with the iconic venue in front of a hostile home crowd.
Kyle Walker has responded to Wayne Rooney's suggestion that the former England full-back should have been considered to play at the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester City icon was flattered by his old team-mate's remarks, but firmly stands by his decision to step aside and let the younger generation play.
Former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards has heavily urged Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel to drop Arsenal winger Noni Madueke for the country's World Cup round of 16 clash against Mexico. Insisting that England's attacking fluency has hit a major roadblock, Richards argued that Bukayo Saka must immediately return to the starting lineup.
Manchester City have taken a significant step in their summer recruitment by confirming an agreement to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old is set to become the latest high-profile arrival at the Etihad Stadium as the Premier League champions continue to bolster their engine room.
Thierry Henry has warned England that they are playing a dangerous game by relying so heavily on the individual brilliance of Harry Kane. The Arsenal and France legend believes the Three Lions will face a reckoning if the Thomas Tuchel's side concede first in their upcoming World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico.
Thomas Tuchel praised assistant Anthony Barry after a bold tactical switch helped England recover from behind to beat DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32. Declan Rice's move to right-back changed the balance of the game, with Harry Kane scoring twice to complete the comeback and send the Three Lions through.
Harry Kane delivered in an England shirt in a massive way against DR Congo on Wednesday, but the Three Lions will have to be much better in order to make a deep run at the 2026 World Cup. Right now, they are nowhere near the levels required to beat the very best teams.
Thomas Tuchel has issued a rallying cry to parents across the nation, urging them to let their children stay up for England’s 1am World Cup last-16 showdown against Mexico. The Three Lions boss believes the support of the younger generation will be vital as his side prepares to walk into the lions' den of the Azteca Stadium.
Axel Tuanzebe admits DR Congo are bitterly disappointed after suffering a heartbreaking World Cup exit following a 2-1 defeat against England. The defender revealed the squad are kicking themselves for not securing victory in the first half, while coach Sebastien Desabre praised his players for a brave performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium despite the painful outcome.
Thierry Henry has heaped praise on Harry Kane after the England striker produced a magnificent late winner against DR Congo at the World Cup. The Bayern Munich star scored twice in a hard-fought comeback victory, prompting Henry to marvel at his incredible physical technique, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed the team's entire hopes of tournament glory rest squarely on Kane's shoulders.
Declan Rice has hailed "ridiculous" Harry Kane as a "proper leader" after the captain’s clinical brace rescued England from a potential World Cup disaster against DR Congo. The Three Lions midfielder admitted he was left stunned by Kane’s finishing ability as Thomas Tuchel's side secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory to reach the round of 16.
Thomas Tuchel has urged his England side to use their dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Congo DR as a springboard for the rest of the World Cup. The Three Lions survived a significant scare in the round of 32, requiring a late rescue act from their captain to avoid a humiliating exit.
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