Mexico v England LIVE - World Cup updates and latest as kick off delayed, Thomas Tuchel picks Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Jarell Quansah to start

It's fair to say it's not been an orthodox few days for England, but Thomas Tuchel told the BBC it's been as close to business as usual for The Three Lions.

”I haven’t to be honest. I was in the hotel the whole day, didn’t feel any storms so we can’t influence it , we adapt while it’s coming.
”We will see. Let’s wait until any possible delays are announced and see what’s coming.”
On how the altitude is affecting the squad:

"Or maybe it was just tension.
”I think we all didn’t sleep so well in the first night, second night was easier to sleep. Let’s play the match.  I think the first 15-20 minutes maybe we’ll feel it.
”That’s what the reports from other teams say and after that we will be fine.”

You’ve no doubt seen various statistics flying around about Mexico’s fearsome record at the Estadio Azteca.

Against Ecuador in the Round of 32, the home supporters produced a feverish atmosphere that caused Mexico’s opponents to wilt in a 2-0 defeat, showcasing why in the 60 years El Tri have been playing there, they have won 70 out of 89 games and only lost twice - in 2001 and 2013. Impressive stuff.

However, the majority of those games haven’t been against the strongest competition. Most of Mexico’s matches at the Estadio Azteca have been against CONMEBOL opposition rather than even the best teams in South America, let alone Europe.

March’s 0-0 draw with Portugal was their first game against a genuine global heavyweight since they drew 1-1 with Spain back in 2010. And their second-to-last game against European opposition was a 1-0 victory over Scotland in 2018.

Yet none of these qualifications change the fact that playing at 2,200 metres above sea level is an immense physical challenge. There isn’t a single stadium in Europe that high, let alone a 87,000-capacity behemoth. One thing is certain: the Estadio Azteca’s reputation is riding on today’s result.

Jordan Pickford and England’s defence has been a cornerstone of their deep runs in major tournaments - conceding 0 goals until the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and kept clean sheets in three of their five matches in Qatar.

But despite a flawless qualifying campaign defensively, it’s been a very different story at the 2026 World Cup. Of the teams who have faced as many or less shots than England, the only ones who have conceded less goals are Uruguay thanks to Fernando Muslera’s disaster classes and the US who rotated their entire defence and goalkeeper against Turkey.

And Mexico have the players to take advantage. Raul Jimenez has had a vintage tournament, scoring two goals in three matches, and he has a great record against Jordan Pickford. Alongside him Julian Quinones has finally delivered on his promise.

The Saudi Pro League top scorer previously had a record of two goals in 22 games for his national team but he’s supplied three goals and an assist at this tournament, so don’t bet against him having an important intervention today.

After today it will be four down, four games to go in the Round of 16, here's how the other matches have gone:

2:00 - Mexico v England

20:00 - Portugal v Spain

1:00 - USA v Belgium

17:00 - Argentina v Egypt

21:00 - Switzerland v Colombia

Will England advance to the quarter-finals for the fifth successive tournament?

Or will Mexico reach that stage for the first time in 40 years?

Vote here!

Of course, England have history with the Estadio Azteca.

It's the scene of one of the Three Lions' most famous - or infamous - World Cup matches, against Argentina in 1986.

We all know the story of Diego Maradona's two very contrasting goals, can the Three Lions put those 40-year-old demons to bed tonight?

At least someone's finding the funny side of the delay!

Mexico are unchanged after sailing through against Ecuador in the Round of 32.

Thomas Tuchel has been more active, swapping wingers once again as Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon start.

And Jarell Quansah replaces Djed Spence at right back in a more defensive change.

If you're just tuning in ready for kick off, then sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

The game has been delayed by an hour due to adverse weather conditions so it will get underway at 02:00 UK time. But we'll keep you updated with all the build up meanwhile!

England's skipper has his chance to strike back after Mbappe and Haaland found the net in the Round of 16.

=1. Kylian Mbappe - 7

=1. Lionel Messi - 7

=1. Erling Haaland - 7

3. Harry Kane - 5

=4. Ousmane Dembele - 4

=4. Vinicius Junior - 4

Notwithstanding a blockbuster opening game against Croatia, England have been sub-par so far this tournament and unless they up their game against Mexico, today is the day that will be found out.

England have been performing well below the sum of their parts, especially at the back, and their overreliance on the goals of Harry Kane and to a lesser extent Jude Bellingham needs to end.

Of course, The Three Lions’ captain will need to step up once again but he MUST get more from his other attacking teammates. And England also need to stop leaking chances at the back.

When it finally gets going, this game will complete the first round of the Round of 16. Here's the lie of the land in the other games:

Monday:

2:00 - Mexico v England

20:00 - Portugal v Spain

Tuesday:

1:00 - USA v Belgium

17:00 - Argentina v Egypt

21:00 - Switzerland v Colombia

Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 earlier, with the Selecao only getting on the scoreboard thanks to a 100th-minute Neymar penalty.

Erling Haaland had a quiet first half but once again he popped up when required, giving his side the lead then scoring a stunning second to put the game beyond doubt.

Bruno Guimaraes also missed a penalty, you can catch up on all the action from the game here:

Javier Aguirre has picked the same eleven that blew away Ecuador.

This game will now get underway at 2:00 UK time, due to severe weather around Mexico City.

Jarell Quansah has returned from injury and slots in at right-back after Djed Spence struggled against DR Congo.

And Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon start on the wings, looking to provide impetus to England's attack in place of Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford.

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To Judgement Day for Thomas Tuchel’s England. The German has been in charge for 19 months now but this is his first truly do-or-die game against a team expected to genuinely cause England problems.

Mexico have a 100% record at this World Cup and haven’t even conceded a goal yet - though the teams they’ve faced could hardly be described as attacking powerhouses. Mind you, can Tuchel’s England?

The Three Lions do have the potential to defeat El Tri even against a rabid home crowd at a dizzying altitude, but the equation is simple: improve or they’re out of the World Cup.

And we’ll start to find out England’s fate at kick off in an hour’s time, and we’ll bring you team news here next!