England will have to overcome an in-form team, as well as changeable weather patterns, and the effects of playing at altitude if they want to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.Thomas Tuchels side take on tournament co-hosts Mexico on Sunday night at the famous Azteca Stadium, located more than 7,000ft above sea level.It is a formidable fortress for the home side, at which they have a record of 70 wins from 89 games, with 17 draws and only two defeats.Playing at altitude makes the air thinner, enabling players to absorb less oxygen into the bloodstream.Maximum aerobic capacity at this kind of altitude usually drops around 10%, and that has a knock-on to performance, Dr Barney Wainwright, senior research fellow at Leeds Beckett University, told the BBC.There will usually be a 15-20% increase in fatigue. For the distance its possible to cover, we would expect that to drop by 5-10%.Players will produce lactate much more quickly, creating an acidity in the muscle which builds fatigue and slows them down.Maximum sprint speeds wont be affected, but players will need to wait a bit longer to recover from each one and go again.We need oxygen in the brain for perception and decision-making, so particularly in the moments of the game where players are working really hard, that could impact key decisions.Altitude can also affect sleep, as can hundreds of noisy Mexicans with fireworks, as seen before the round of 32 game against Ecuador.England were hoping to keep the whereabouts of their hotel secret but the location was quickly leaked, prompting fears the Three Lions squad could be targeted.The weather is another element that England cannot control, although that is the same for both sides.Thunderstorms are expected in the area on Sunday night, prompting reports FIFA were going to bring kick-off forward. The game was eventually confirmed for 6pm local time, although there is a strong chance it could be delayed.The additional issues around the game would feel less of a problem if England were in good form, but they have looked disjointed so far.Bar a 45-minute mauling of Croatia in their first game, Tuchel has failed to get a good performance from the team in a goalless draw with Ghana and patchy wins over Panama and DR Congo.Mexico, on the other hand, have been flying.Javier Aguirres side have won all four games and are yet to concede.Striker Raul Jimenez said: Were fully focused and united. That sense of togetherness and family spirit is spurring us on to great things. Weve still got another match to play here in Mexico. And were fully aware of whats at stake.Were going to give it our absolute all and keep giving the fans something to shout about. Weve got a really strong side, and theres been a real sense of togetherness since Vasco [Aguirre] took charge. The skys the limit.Table of ContentsTeam news for Mexico v EnglandPredicted line-ups for Mexico v EnglandWhere to watch Mexico v England: TV and online streamsStats for Mexico v EnglandPrediction for Mexico v EnglandResponsible GamblingTeam news for Mexico v EnglandMexico have no new concerns and Aguirre could name an unchanged team.England midfielder Declan Rice is expected to be fit despite an ongoing hamstring problem. Djed Spence is likely to continue at right-back in the absence of Reece James. Tuchel may recall wingers Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon.Predicted line-ups for Mexico v EnglandMexico: Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Romo, Lira, Mora; Alvarado, Jimenez, QuinonesEngland: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, OReilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; KaneWhere to watch Mexico v England: TV and online streamsMexico versus England kicks off at 1am in the early hours of Sunday morning. You can watch it on BBC One or stream via the BBC iPlayer.Stats for Mexico v EnglandThis is Englands first game at the Azteca since the 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, inspired by Diego Maradonas handballMexicos win over Ecuador was their first in a knockout round game since 1986Mexico have never lost a World Cup game at the Azteca, winning eight and drawing two of 10 gamesEngland have won the teams last four meetingsPrediction for Mexico v EnglandThis is a difficult fixture for England and it will be a major hurdle for them to overcome if they could find a way through. It may go all the way.Prediction: Mexico 2-2 EnglandResponsible GamblingGambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)GamCare: www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware: gambleaware.orgGamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Topics England National Football Team Mexico National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read FIFA World Cup 2026: Full England fixtures, results, schedule, confirmed squad, next match, kick off times Ben Miller 4th July, 2026 England vs Mexico: World Cup 2026 confirmed time and full details after talks over game being moved, latest news and why football bosses wanted fixture kick off rescheduled to Sunday Ben Miller 4th July, 2026 BREAKING: Englands World Cup clash with Mexico set for earlier start on Sunday Mitch Fretton 3rd July, 2026 World Cup 2026: Where to watch England games on TV, full BBC and ITV knockout stage listings, confirmed channels, schedule, live online streams, kick off times Ben Miller 3rd July, 2026 Tuchel reveals Rice in terrible pain during Englands win over DR Congo Mitch Fretton 2nd July, 2026 World Cup 2026: Tuchel praises persistent England after Kane double finally breaks DR Congo resistance Jon Fisher 1st July, 2026
