Tuchel expects Mexico's 'every trick' but backs England to make peace with the Azteca

Thomas Tuchel has declared he is “expecting the worst” from Mexico ahead of England’s World Cup last-16 clash at the Azteca Stadium, but insists his side are equipped to handle every obstacle thrown at them — from altitude to traffic delays to a hostile atmosphere.

England face joint hosts Mexico in the round of 16, with the iconic venue carrying painful history for the Three Lions: it was the site of Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God goal in the 1986 quarter-final. Tuchel acknowledged the weight of that memory but framed the trip as an opportunity to rewrite it.

“We will make peace with the stadium — now that’s the plan,” Tuchel said. “It was a very iconic goal against England but it was a clear handball. You have every right to be bitter but it doesn’t help to stay bitter. We are not out for revenge, we just want to make peace with the stadium.”

The England manager was candid about the physical challenge the altitude will pose, predicting a difficult opening spell before his players find their rhythm. “The altitude is a disadvantage but it is what it is. They are fully adapted. My expectation is we will suffer in the first 10 or 20 minutes and once we get through that we will be fine.”

On the broader environment, Tuchel said he was leaving nothing to chance mentally. “I expect the worst, I’m prepared for the worst and let’s see what happens in traffic and the noise outside the stadium and how long we have to go through passport control. Whatever tricks they have up their sleeves, I expect every trick. Just smile and focus on what we can influence and we’ll be fine.”

He also pointed to England’s squad depth in hostile environments as a source of confidence. “We have players who have played in hostile environments. Once we are in the stadium we are good.”

Tuchel confirmed that Declan Rice will play in midfield rather than at right back, and hinted that reinforcements could be on the way, with Reece James and Jarell Quansah both hoping to return from injury in time.

Asked whether victory over Mexico could rank among England’s great results on foreign soil, Tuchel did not shy away. “Yeah, it could be and we are going for that. I felt this before the tournament that if we reach the point where Mexico comes then this can really be the moment.”

England have been solid if not spectacular in the group stage, creating chances without conceding freely, and Tuchel acknowledged there is another gear to find. “We create a lot of chances, we don’t concede a lot and we have to pick our moments of pressing smarter. We have to take better care of the distances between the lines. The players are aware of it, which is good.”