England manager Thomas Tuchel believes his side can write a new chapter at the iconic Estadio Azteca when they face co-hosts Mexico in the World Cup Round of 16 on Sunday.
The stadium remains closely associated with one of England’s most painful football memories—the 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, when Diego Maradona scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal before producing the “Goal of the Century.”
Tuchel, however, insists his players are focused on creating their own history rather than seeking revenge.
“It just catches you straight away once you get in here and see the excitement and see the emotions. I felt straight away that this will be a proper World Cup match for tomorrow,” Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference.
“We knew it before. We are in an iconic place, an iconic stadium.”
The German coach dismissed any suggestion that England were motivated by memories of 1986.
“This is painful. It still hurts, but we are not here for revenge,” he said.
“It’s the same stadium. It’s not the same opponent. It doesn’t make sense. We are here to write our own chapters.”
Preparing for altitude and home support
England arrived in Mexico City on Friday, a day earlier than usual, to help players acclimatise to the city’s altitude of more than 2,240 metres (7,350 feet) above sea level.
Tuchel admitted the conditions were immediately noticeable during training.
“The players felt it in the first minutes of the training session. The longer it went they could cope with it better,” he said.
“We are here one day before to experience it at least.
“I don’t think it is a coincidence Mexico starts their home matches very strong, front-footed. I think the opening 15 to 20 minutes will be the toughest.”
Mexico have won all four of their World Cup matches so far without conceding a goal and will enjoy passionate home support at one of football’s most famous venues.
Henderson relishing unique challenge
Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson described the occasion as unlike anything he has experienced during his distinguished career.
“I don’t think this game compares with any game that I have been involved in to be honest,” the former Liverpool captain said.
“Yes, I have played a lot of different games in the Champions League, but in the World Cup, in Mexico, against Mexico, I don’t think anything compares with that.
“That’s why it’s such a good game to be involved in. I think everybody is just excited and really looking forward to the game and the challenge.”
Right-back concerns remain
Tuchel also confirmed that Reece James will not be fit enough to start after suffering a hamstring injury.
England have faced criticism for not selecting a specialist backup right-back. Jarell Quansah, who filled the role against Panama before suffering an ankle injury, is available again, while Djed Spence endured a difficult outing in the 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
England are aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals and move one step closer to ending their 60-year wait for a major international trophy, while Mexico are chasing their first appearance in the last eight of a World Cup since hosting the tournament in 1986.
