FIFA World Cup 2026: "Need to stay focused from start to finish...": Mexico's Jimenez on England R16 clash
Mexico City, July 5
Ahead of the team's FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash against England, Mexico striker Raul Jimenez, a Premier League player with Fulham and currently at Wolverhampton Wanderers, said that the clash against the Three Lions is one where they need to "stay focused from start to finish".
Co-hosts Mexico will be aiming to continue their dominant home run at the iconic Azteca and also trouble England with the aggressive gameplay combined with the venue's high altitude as they take on them in a clash for a quarterfinal slot on July 6, 5:30 AM IST.
Speaking ahead of the match to the press as quoted by Reuters, Jimenez said, "It is a match where we have to stay focused from start to finish."
"I think that commitment has been evident in every match, how fully invested we are. Well, I am really happy to be part of it," he added.
The match will feature many of the prominent former and current Premier League stars, such as Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice etc, but he said that he has not communicated with players from the opposition camp before the match as he "does not know them well".
"I haven't messaged them, because I do not know them that well. I have swapped shirts with a few, but that is as far as it goes," Jimenez said.
Mexico will carry a formidable home record into their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against England at the Estadio Azteca--a record that underlines the challenge awaiting the Harry Kane-led England side. The clash against England is scheduled for July 6, 5:30 AM IST.
Since first playing at the venue in 1966, Mexico have lost just twice in competitive matches at the Estadio Azteca, underlining its reputation as one of football's most difficult away grounds. In 89 matches played there, they have recorded 70 wins and 17 draws, showcasing a dominant home advantage over decades.
England now face a stern test as they prepare to take on the hosts in front of a home crowd, with Mexico's strong record at the Azteca adding further weight to the knockout encounter. Another challenge for England will be the high-altitude conditions at Estadio Azteca, with the pitch situated at around 7,220 ft (2,240 metres) above sea level. The thinner air at this height reduces oxygen levels for players and also allows the ball to travel faster and farther compared to lower-altitude venues such as Atlanta Stadium (312 m above sea level), where England faced DR Congo in the Round of 32 clash.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Love how Jimenez is playing it cool. "I don't know them well"—but bro, you've swapped shirts with them! 😂 That's PL banter right there. But seriously, the altitude advantage at Azteca is no joke. I remember reading how even the great Brazil team struggled there. England's high-press game might backfire if players run out of oxygen by the 70th minute. Mexico's home crowd will be like 12th man—we Indians know how that feels when our cricket team plays at Eden Gardens! 🇮🇳 This is going to be a tight contest. 1-1 and penalties, I'm guessing.
Calling it now: England will struggle in the second half. The altitude effect is real—our Indian athletes also struggle when they go to places like Leh for training camps. At 7,220 ft, the ball travels faster, passes will be harder to control, and stamina drops sharply. England's players are used to sea-level conditions at Wembley, not this. Jimenez knows how to exploit that. However, I do feel Jimenez is underselling the England squad—they have world-class finishers. If Mexico focuses too much on defense, Kane will find a way. 2-1 Mexico, but only if they score early.
As an English fan living in India for work, I'm worried. 😬 Mexico's record at Azteca is no fluke—it's a fortress built on altitude and passionate fans. But I think Southgate will prepare the team for this; England's sports science team is top-notch. They'll probably arrive early for acclimatization. Jimenez saying he doesn't know England players well is a bit disingenuous—he's played against most of them in the PL. But I get it, he's playing mind games. This will be a tactical battle. England's athleticism vs Mexico's home advantage. My heart says England, my head says 1-1 after 120 mins.
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