England will face Mexico in a high-stakes World Cup clash at the Azteca Stadium, a venue where Mexico has lost only twice in 89 matches. The winner advances to face either Brazil or Norway in the quarter-finals.
Pundits Predict England Victory
Alan Shearer and Roy Keane are among the pundits backing England to secure a win. In his BBC column, Shearer acknowledged that manager Thomas Tuchel has decisions to make, particularly at right-back, where Julian Quinones poses a threat with three goals in the tournament. Shearer said: "Whoever plays at right-back will have to deal with Julian Quinones, who is one of Mexico's dangermen with three goals at this World Cup so far. Tuchel might get more defensive stability there if he plays Djed Spence but, by doing that, England would probably lose a little bit going forward."
Keane Warns of Tougher Tests Ahead
Roy Keane, speaking on ITV, predicted England would beat Mexico but cautioned: "I think they beat Mexico on Monday, but if they get through to the likes of Brazil and Argentina, that's when the trouble will really start. If they play as they have done, it's against those teams where they'll come unstuck. I don't think England has got too much more to go, which is why I'm saying they'll get to the quarters."
Other Expert Opinions
Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison also backed England, telling the Mirror: "It'll be difficult conditions, and Mexico are a good team - I watched them blow Ecuador away. England will have to raise their game, because Mexico have players who can cause them a lot of problems. I still think England can go there and beat them - without a shadow of a doubt - but it'll be their hardest test so far."
Ex-England international Gabby Agbonlahor predicted a hard-fought extra-time victory on talkSPORT. Looking ahead, he said: "I'm not scared of Brazil, I think we beat Brazil. I think we lose to Argentina, they just know how to win."
