Konsa backs England to cause upset against Mexico despite Azteca altitude concern

Ezri Konsa has declared England capable of stunning co-hosts Mexico in the World Cup Round of 16 on Sunday, brushing aside concerns over the 2,240-metre altitude at the Estadio Azteca and the threat posed by an attack that has scored eight goals in four matches without conceding.

The Aston Villa centre-back was speaking after England edged past DR Congo, a game in which Harry Kane’s 86th-minute thunderbolt proved decisive and took the captain to 13 World Cup goals — surpassing Pelé’s tally of 12 — and his 20th strike at major tournaments.

“Yes, definitely we’ll be ready,” Konsa said when asked whether England’s defence could contain Mexico’s forward line. “We’ve got enough at the back to stop a counter. We’ve got good pace, we’ve got good strength at the back. Look, they’re doing well, but we’re here to make an upset and win the game on Sunday.”

Konsa acknowledged that the DR Congo performance was not without its flaws, noting that Yoane Wissa struck the post when the score was still level. “I thought the last game against Panama we were a bit too exposed at the back,” he said. “But I thought today we kept that shut. There are always things to improve on, and I’m sure that’s what we’re going to do going into this weekend’s game.”

On Kane, Konsa drew a direct comparison to Lionel Messi’s role within Argentina. “Of course, it’s like Argentina with Messi and we’ve got that in Harry Kane here. We know his qualities. We know how many games he can score in. That’s his job. That’s what he does. He loves scoring goals and we love watching him score goals.”

Manager Thomas Tuchel has publicly described the altitude as a clear “disadvantage” for England, and several squad members reportedly had hyperbaric chambers installed at home during the build-up to the tournament. Konsa was not among them, but he was relaxed about the varying approaches. “Each to their own. Everyone is different. Everyone handles heat differently. We’ve done work on that here and we’ll be ready for Sunday’s game.”

Mexico’s home support at the Azteca adds another layer of difficulty, but Konsa insisted England would not be intimidated. “They’re playing at home in front of their crowd. We know how difficult it is going to be with their fans behind them. But, like I said, we’re going to be ready and we’re there to make an upset.”