England defender Ezri Konsa insists the Three Lions are capable of overcoming the odds and the various hurdles - not least the altitude - that stand in their way against Mexico in the World Cup Round of 1619:00, 02 Jul 2026Ezri Konsa insists England's defence is good enough to nullify Mexico's red-hot attack - despite another shaky display against DR Congo.‌The irresistible co-hosts have plundered eight goals in their four World Cup matches without conceding.‌Yet Konsa, who wants the Three Lions to embrace their underdog status, is bang up for the challenge at the Estadio Azteca, one of football's great cathedrals.‌He said when quizzed on whether England can stop El Tri's potent forward line: "Yes, definitely we’ll be ready. We’ve got enough at the back to stop a counter."We’ve got good pace, we’ve got good strength at the back. Look, they’re doing well, but we’re here to make an upset and win the game on Sunday."I’ve got a great relationship with Marc [Guehi] at the back and whoever I play with I enjoy each moment.‌"I thought the last game against Panama we were a bit too exposed at the back. But I thought today we kept that shut."They had a chance to go 2-0 up in the first half with [Yoane] Wissa hitting the post."But there are always things to improve on, and I’m sure that’s what we’re going to do, going into this weekend's game."‌Up the other end, Konsa knows England possess the firepower to inflict serious damage.Not least because of their prolific marksman and captain Harry Kane, who has now surpassed the great Pele (12) for World Cup goals (now 13).‌His 86th-minute thunderbolt to break DR Congo hearts was his 20th strike at major tournaments.The Aston Villa centre-back continued: "Of course, it’s like Argentina with [Lionel] Messi and we’ve got that in Harry Kane here."We know his qualities. We know how many games he can score in. That’s his job. That’s what he does. He loves scoring goals and we love watching him score goals."‌He added on Kane's emotional post-match huddle: "He was just telling us to enjoy the moment."We had to grind it out today and that’s what we did - to enjoy the moment and celebrate it."‌Mexico will be a different ball game, however, due to the altitude (the Azteca sits 2240 metres above sea level).Despite the obstacle, which Thomas Tuchel described as a clear "disadvantage," Konsa firmly believes a quarter-final spot is well within reach.He said: "We’ve done some work on that and we’ll be ready for Sunday’s game.‌"They’re playing at home in front of their crowd. We know how difficult it is going to be with their fans behind them. But, like I said, we’re going to be ready and we’re there to make an upset."Some England stars had a hyperbaric chamber for oxygen therapy installed at their homes.Konsa wasn't one of them, explaining: "Each to their own. Everyone is different. Everyone handles heat differently.Article continues below"We’ve done that here, we’ve worked on it before, and we’ll be fine. We’ll go to the game full of confidence and we’ll be ready."Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.