ALEX CROOK WORLD CUP PREVIEW: Mexico v England

England have to battle high altitude, passionate fans, a confident Mexican side and history as they travel to the Azteca for their World Cup round of 16 game in the early hours of Monday morning, writes ALEX CROOK.

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Thomas Tuchel’s men survived a major scare as they came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the last round, as Mexico continued what has been a sensational tournament for the co-hosts by dispatching potential dark horses Ecuador 2-0.

Even with Brazil. Argentina, and potentially France or Spain lying in wait en route to a first trophy since 1966, this fixture, 2200 meters above sea level, has been the one most England fans have been concerned about since the tournament began.

It is undoubtedly the toughest challenge Tuchel has faced during his tenure as Three Lions boss and the German has spoken about laying old ghosts to rest in the build-up to a highly-anticipated showdown.

After all, this is the first time England have set foot in Mexico’s Mecca of football since their infamous 1986 quarter-final defeat to Argentina and the Hand of God goal.

Mexico have already shown their worth by beating Germany in the group stage and their triumph over Ecuador was far more straightforward than many observers would have expected.

Their record at the Azteca remains formidable. In fact, Mexico have never lost a World Cup clash at this venue while also going 26 games unbeaten since losing to Honduras some 13 years ago.

Not for the first time this tournament, England have injury concerns at right back, with Djed Spence battling to be fit and Reece James also unlikely to be ready to start following a hamstring injury.

There are whispers that Tuchel could revert to a back three with Bukayo Saka deployed out of position at right wing-back.

The other option would be a back four with Jarrell Quansah returning to the team, but he was far from convincing in the victory over Panama in the group stage.

One thing is for certain and that is that England will have to be a whole lot better than they were, particularly in the first half, against DR Congo otherwise this Mexico team could prove a real handful.

England do have the capability to go up through the gears, but that will be difficult with all the mitigating factors in Mexico’s favor.

It would not surprise me if it turns into a really long night for those watching at home in the small hours as I fancy the draw after 90 minutes at 11/5 with starsports.bet.

I also think the first half could be relatively cagey as the two teams feel each other out so under 0.5 goals at half time at 6/4 is appealing.

My final selection is Raul Jimenez to score at any time at 12/5 with starsports.bet. The Wolves striker has been in excellent form so far in the tournament and England have given away chances in every game so he can capitalise on that leaky and problematic defence.

You can combine all three of my selections as a build-a-bet, which returns a whopping 34/1 with starsports.bet.

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🎲 LONG SHOT: Raul Jimenez to score 0.5pts at 12/5 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)
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