Mexico v England LIVE: Build up, team news and latest updates ahead of World Cup last-16 clash – UK Times

Chelsea captain James did not take part in team training at a nearby facility on Saturday afternoon, instead undergoing a personalised programme as he looks to recover from a hamstring injury, but Tuchel said his first-choice right back would undergo a late fitness test before Monday’s 1am kick-off.

The almost child-like effervescence from the England boss is infectious – but as the Three Lions eye a ‘top performance’ at the Azteca on Sunday, will his call for cool heads pay off? Kieran Jackson reports from Mexico City:

England fans back home have been given a boost by news that pubs can stay open until 5am on Monday morning to take in the World Cup clash with Mexico.

Fifa do have the power to reschedule matches at the World Cup.

The world footballing governing body’s regulations for World Cup 2026 state it has the right to “cancel, reschedule or relocate” matches “at its sole discretion”.

Fifa don’t appear to have to jump through many hoops to get things like this changed, to the potential dismay of its competing teams.

Based off Fifa rankings, and probability, here’s what England’s route to the World Cup final could look like – with Mexico first up:

5 July: England vs Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

11 July: England vs Brazil | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

15 July: England vs Argentina | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

19 July: England vs Spain | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

More than 100 riot police in bullet-proof vests are guarding the hotel where England are staying after the team received a hostile reception as they arrived for their World Cup last-16 match against Mexico.

England had been hoping to keep their location secret after Mexico supporters used loud speakers, horns and motorcycles to try to disturb the sleep of Ecuador’s players before their last-32 tie, which the co-hosts won 2-0 on Wednesday night.

But when England’s coach arrived at the hotel, hundreds of fans were already there, with many booing while others chanted “Mexico”.

Around 200 locals were near the hotel on Saturday, which has a fence blocking access and officers from Guardia Nacional lining it.

A police dog and drone are also being used near the hotel while the England team bus is parked outside.

England have overcome several World Cup obstacles already this summer – yet Thomas Tuchel is fully aware of the seismic challenge that awaits at the cauldron that is the Azteca Stadium in the last-16.

Here The Independent’s Jack Rathborn & Kieran Jackson explain exactly what England will face at the Estadio Azteca:

“The stadium is a monster; that explains the high number of wins and draws, and the few losses—which were just accidents,” said the legendary Hugo Sánchez.

“We approach this with optimism because we know it’s England, but if we play the way we did against Ecuador, we can beat them.”

The winners will meet Brazil or Norway in a last eight tie slated for Saturday 11 July in Miami at 10pm BST.

Right-back remains the primary area of concern for Thomas Tuchel with Reece James and Jarrel Quansah both fighting for fitness.

Should they not be available Djed Spence could continue there despite struggling throughout the DR Congo game. Declan Rice will play despite his continuing issues with what Tuchel described as “terrible” neural pain.

Predicted England XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.