CORNERFLICK
Thomas Tuchel says England are ready for the scale of their last-16 World Cup tie against Mexico at the Azteca, despite the altitude, the short turnaround and the home crowd.
England trained at Club Pumas on Friday after arriving in Mexico City, then completed their final session on Saturday ahead of the match. The squad had 15 minutes open to the media and appeared relaxed during warm-up work.
Tuchel said the players felt the effects of the 2,200-metre altitude early in training, but settled as the session went on. He also played down any talk of a hostile atmosphere, saying he expected emotional support for the hosts rather than intimidation.
Jordan Henderson echoed that view, calling it a huge occasion and saying England were focused only on what they could control.
It will be England’s first competitive game at the Azteca since 1986, when Argentina beat them in a match remembered for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and his second, iconic goal. Tuchel rejected any talk of revenge, saying England were there to “write our own chapter.”