World Cup 2026: How England beat Mexico in five mini games
England’s phased approach to the game was confirmed by assistant coach Anthony Barry at half-time.
“We prepared our players for a difficult match until the first water break,” he said.
“We would have had to suffer. Mexico always starts fast. We knew 0-0 would be a good result.” [at the break].”
England muted some of Mexico’s momentum early on.
It seemed that the visitors were more measured defensively than in previous matches.
Tuchel, who put high intensity pressure on his side before the match, called on them to be more conscious about this issue.
“We are fully committed to our press,” he said. “But this is not economical. We need to be smart and choose the right moments.”
England, though without fault, chose the right moments and looked better than they did against the DR Congo in the last 32.
When Mexico built from deep, England used Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and an extra player (one more than they used against the DR Congo) to cut down their options.
Their improved pressing kept Mexico busy, but with clever dropping moves, a midfielder or winger headed the ball unmarked and Javier Aguirre’s men were able to get up the pitch.
English midfielder Elliot Anderson kept his position deeper, closer to his centre-backs, instead of pressing high at these moments to prevent Mexico from going out easily. This became an important detail later in the game.
