England prepare for Mexico City match after DR Congo encounter
Following their match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, the England squad is now focusing on their upcoming game against Mexico. The team will play Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday, 5 July, at 6pm local time, which will be Monday, 6 July, at 1am BST. This match marks their progression to the last 16 of the tournament.
After playing four matches in the United States, the England team will travel to Mexico for this fixture. Fans planning to attend the match in Mexico City should be aware of travel advice and local conditions.
Travel advice for Mexico City
The UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) advises travellers to sign up for email alerts regarding travel advice for Mexico. Fans are also encouraged to download the official Fifa World Cup 25 app and check the official World Cup 2026 website for updates that might affect their travel plans.
Recent incidents in Mexico City have prompted warnings from the FCDO. Following football celebrations, three people died from asphyxiation in crowds at the Angel of Independence. Additionally, there have been increased reports of mobile phone theft and drink spiking during the tournament.
Since early June, workers’ unions have been conducting protests in Mexico City, leading to traffic disruptions. While these protests have generally been peaceful, some have involved clashes with police. Foreign nationals are prohibited from participating in political activities in Mexico, and doing so could result in detention and deportation. Travellers encountering protests are advised to move away from the area and monitor local media for information on potential disruptions.
For those venturing outside Mexico City, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to specific areas. These include parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, and Chiapas.
Accommodation and transport
High demand for accommodation is expected in and around Mexico City, so early planning is recommended. Transport near the stadiums will also be busy. Mexico City’s public transport accepts both cash and contactless payments, but travellers should plan their journeys in advance and allow ample travel time.
Other cities and popular tourist destinations across Mexico are anticipated to be busier than usual during the tournament. Before travelling between cities, checking FCDO travel advice for the specific route is important, along with being aware of restricted areas.
For tourists visiting Mexico, a visa is not required. Passports will be stamped with the allowed duration of stay. The Mexican Embassy in the UK suggests passports be valid for at least 180 days, as this is the maximum tourist stay. British nationals entering Mexico by land must complete an online immigration form.
Travellers planning to visit or transit through multiple countries, especially involving land borders, should check entry requirements for each country. An Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) may be needed to enter the US. If a passport is lost or stolen in Mexico, an Emergency Travel Document from the British Embassy cannot be used to re-enter the US from Mexico.
Mexican immigration officers may request proof of accommodation, return flights, visit plans, and sufficient funds for the stay. When travelling with a child, evidence of the relationship, such as a birth or adoption certificate, or parental responsibility order, may be requested, along with the reason for travel.
To leave Mexico, a passport with the entry stamp indicating the permitted stay duration must be shown. Losing a passport requires paying a fee of approximately 700 Mexican pesos (£30) to replace the entry stamp. A departure tax may also apply when leaving Mexico by air or land, with costs varying and some locations only accepting cash. Most airlines include this cost in the ticket price, but checking with the airline or tour operator is advised.
The FCDO recommends obtaining travel and health insurance before travelling. It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and solutions into Mexico, or to buy and sell them. Support from the FCDO is available for situations such as hospitalisation, arrest, or passport loss.
Team performance and tactical considerations
England secured their place against Mexico after a challenging match against DR Congo. Harry Kane scored twice, helping the team overcome their opponents. Kane and Jude Bellingham have been key players for England, contributing goals and inspiration throughout the tournament, including in wins against Croatia and Panama.
Despite the win, some tactical issues have been noted. Head coach Thomas Tuchel has made various changes in defence and on the flanks. The right-back position has been particularly problematic due to injuries or form issues. Declan Rice, typically a central midfielder, played at right-back during the match against DR Congo.
Former England captain Alan Shearer commented on defensive vulnerabilities, noting that Rice at right-back contributed to the equaliser. However, Micah Richards, another former England defender, suggested that Rice’s energy is crucial in midfield, especially for the high-altitude game against Mexico. Richards proposed a defensive lineup with Ezri Konsa at right-back and John Stones alongside Marc Guehi.
Wayne Rooney, also a former England captain, expressed concerns about the team being too open when losing possession, particularly in midfield. He indicated that this could be a significant issue against stronger opponents.
The team has also faced questions regarding creative players. Concerns have been raised about the exclusion of players like Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from the squad, with some suggesting a lack of creative force, particularly evident in the goalless draw against Ghana. Jordan Henderson, at 36, is expected to be used primarily as a substitute.
In terms of strikers, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney were selected, but their playing time has been limited. Toney, who had not featured for the national side for a year, was a notable inclusion. Watkins played for six minutes as a substitute against Panama. During the match against DR Congo, Toney and Watkins remained on the bench, even when the team was seeking a goal, with Kane scoring the winner late in the game.
The England squad will now prepare to face Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Sunday, 5 July.
Read Also
Source: independent.co.uk
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
