Thomas Tuchel reveals 'huge disadvantage' England face in next World Cup game against Mexico
After another confident performance at this World Cup, England are through to the round of 16, where Thomas Tuchel reckons his side will face a 'huge disadvantage'.
The Three Lions were victorious against DR Congo yesterday (1 July) thanks to a late double from Harry Kane, which saw the team come from behind to win in a World Cup game for the first time since the 1966 final. Maybe that's a good omen?
Naturally, fans were less than impressed with the performance against the African nation, who were playing in their first ever knockout game at the World Cup and would have been worthy winners, particularly had Yoane Wissa not missed that guilt-edged chance.
Questions were also raised about Tuchel's squad selection, especially when Declan Rice was deployed at right-back in the second-half, following injuries to Reece James, Tino Livramento and Jarrell Quansah during the tournament, while a certain Real Madrid right-back sits at home.
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But it's not just the lack of Trent Alexander-Arnold which might put England at a huge disadvantage when they travel to play the co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday night (1am Monday UK kick off).
The iconic stadium, which will be filled to the brim with Mexican fans, is a massive 7,400 feet above sea level, and Tuchel has suggested that the altitude could be a 'huge disadvantage' for his side.
"I'm not sure we are ready, because it's a huge disadvantage for us because Mexico play there since the tournament started and they have adapted to the altitude," the manager told BBC Radio 5 Live
"We don't have enough time to adapt. It's a big disadvantage and I'm not sure if we get a lot of other disadvantages.
"I'm not sure if the travel will be smooth, if the sleep will be smooth, if there's noise outside the hotel. OK, bring it on.
"It's a very beautiful and exciting fixture. There will be lots of obstacles, but this team will be ready whatever it takes."
Mexican fans certainly created an intimidating atmosphere in their round of 32 win over Ecuador, keeping the players up with fireworks throughout the night, before getting in their heads so much that Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié became the second player to be sent off for covering his mouth.
The co-hosts have a perfect record at the World Cup, with four wins and no goals conceded, which won't exactly fill England fans with a lot of confidence given their performance in the last three games.
Another factor for England to consider is that the last time they played in the Azteca was all the way back in 1986, when a certain Diego Maradona scored with his infamous 'Hand of God' goal, which to be fair was followed by perhaps the greatest goal in World Cup history.
At least we will have VAR with us this time, so there won't be a repeat of that.
All-time World Cup top scorers
Lionel Messi - Argentina
Number of goals: 19
World Cups: Six - 2006 (one goal), 2010 (no goals), 2014 (four goals), 2018 (one goal), 2022 (seven goals), 2026 (six goals at time of writing)
Number of matches played: 29
Kylian Mbappé - France
Number of goals: 18
World Cups: Three - 2018 (four goals), 2022 (eight goals), 2026 (six goals at time of writing)
Number of matches played: 18
Miroslav Klose - Germany
Number of goals: 16
World Cups: Four - 2002 (five goals), 2006 (five goals), 2010 (four goals), 2014 (two goals)
Number of matches played: 24
Ronaldo - Brazil
Number of goals: 15
World Cups: Four - 1994 (no goals), 1998 (four goals), 2002 (eight goals), 2006 (three goals)
Number of matches played: 19
Gerd Müller - West Germany
Number of goals: 14
World Cups: Two - 1970 (10 goals), 1974 (four goals)
Number of matches played: 13
Just Fontaine - France
Number of goals: 13
World Cups: One - 1958
Number of matches played: Six
Harry Kane - England
Number of goals: 13
World Cups: Three - 2018 (six goals), 2022 (two goals), 2026 (five goals at time of writing)
Number of matches played: 15
Pelé - Brazil
Number of goals: 12
World Cups: Four - 1958 (six goals), 1962 (one goal), 1966 (one goal), 1970 (four goals)
Number of matches played: 14
Jürgen Klinsmann - West Germany/Germany
Number of goals: 11
World Cups: Three - 1990 (three goals), 1994 (five goals), 1998 (three goals)
Number of matches played: 17
Sándor Kocsis - Hungary
Number of goals: 11
World Cups: One - 1954
Number of matches played: Five
Topics: World Cup, Harry Kane
James Moorhouse