England: Alan Shearer confident before the clash against Mexico at the Azteca
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Alan Shearer, respected voice of English football, analyzes England's approach as they approach the round of 16 against Mexico at the Azteca. Despite the electric atmosphere and the altitude, the former scorer is convinced that Thomas Tuchel's men will approach this challenge without fear and is aiming to qualify for the quarters.
As England prepare to face Mexico in the legendary lair of Azteca, Alan Shearer is resolutely optimistic. For the former captain of the Three Lions, the pressure and the particular conditions of Mexico should not disturb Thomas Tuchel's players, quite the contrary: “Instead of fearing these challenges, they will think 'let's bring them'. These are the moments we work for all our lives. »
Shearer recalls that if playing at the Azteca stadium, with more than 80% of the public committed to the Mexican cause and at such an altitude, will be an unprecedented challenge for England, it is above all a dream opportunity: “Playing a round of 16 of the World Cup in such an emblematic stadium, in front of millions of television viewers, is the fulfillment of a childhood dream. »
The former international also evokes the fervor encountered by the English on their arrival in Mexico, recounting the charged atmosphere and the potential distractions off the field, but he believes that the group will be able to ignore it. “This kind of disruption is common – you have to accept it and concentrate on the match. »
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Shearer also highlights England's solidity so far, but warns: "We will have to start stronger than against DR Congo. Coming back to the score in such a context would be much more complicated. »
On the tactical side, the former striker sees challenges on the right flank, facing the Mexican danger embodied by Julian Quinones, author of three goals since the start of the World Cup. He also notes the good performance of Anthony Gordon, likely to start on the left, and bring balance to the middle trio, played by Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham.
Shearer does not forget the competition: he salutes the remarkable performance of Cape Verde, who held Spain in check before a valiant match against Argentina, and affirms that France remains the team to beat, seeing them still favorites of the tournament and the race for the Golden Shoe for Kylian Mbappé. He nevertheless hopes that Harry Kane will be able to offer good opposition “from the match against Mexico”.
The England-Mexico clash at the Azteca therefore promises to be one of the major posters of these eighths, with the promise of a great spectacle and, for Alan Shearer, the conviction that the Three Lions will be able to respond, without fear.