England are beginning their preparations for a massive World Cup meeting with Mexico after Harry Kane came to their rescue against DR Congo. The captain’s double saved Thomas Tuchel’s side – and perhaps the manager’s job – after falling behind early in Atlanta, but a far tougher test is to come. The match, in Mexico City on Sunday, will provide a unique challenge with altitude and an anticipated hostile reception providing added factors for the England squad as they prepare for the Estadio Azteca – scene of Diego Maradona’s contrasting double in 1986. Declan Rice has been declared fully fit in a significant injury boost, while England are also plotting to avoid the impact of a boisterous set of Mexico supporters at their hotel. Tuchel may well consider changes, with Rice operating at right-back in the closing stages against DR Congo – with Reece James again missing training – while Anthony Gordon changed the game in place of Marcus Rashford on the left. Pubs in the United Kingdom will be allowed to stay open until the early hours as England attempt to keep their World Cup dream alive.Follow all the build-up to Sunday’s exciting tie with co-hosts Mexico:Mexico v England tickets reach eye-watering £27,000 for World Cup last-16 tieTickets for England’s last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at World Cup 2026 are selling for eye-watering prices up to $36,000 [£27,300].The clash is rivalling the most expensive World Cup knockout fixtures ever after England battled to a 2-1 victory over DR Congo thanks to Harry Kane’s rescue act to set up a mouthwatering tie at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, at 1am BST on Monday.Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 10:00Thomas Tuchel offers encouraging Declan Rice injury update for England’s Mexico clashDeclan Rice does not have any injury, Thomas Tuchel said, as he expects his influential midfielder to be in shape for England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday.The 27-year-old had to go off at the end of England’s late 2-1 win over Democratic Republic of Congo, having been managing nerve pain in his back over the course of the tournament.Rice has notoriously played well over 4,000 minutes this season, leaving him as one of the most overworked of many such players at this World Cup.Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 09:45Many pubs to remain closed for England-Mexico World Cup game: ‘We’re not a nightclub’But not all establishments are to take advantage of the change in permitted opening hours – quite understandably, too!Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 09:25Pubs can stay open until 5am for England’s World Cup match against MexicoEngland fans back home have been given a boost by news that pubs can stay open until 5am on Monday morning to take in the World Cup clash with Mexico.Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 09:15The change Thomas Tuchel has made to England’s World Cup plans to combat Azteca altitudeThomas Tuchel has admitted that England will have to battle against the challenges of altitude in the World Cup last-16, given how Mexico are so accustomed to it.The Azteca stands at 2,240 meters above sea level. When asked whether this was unfair, the German said: “Yes, it's a huge advantage”.Tuchel did admit that England changed plans as a consequence.Having flown back to their Kansas City base after the Atlanta win over Democratic Republic of Congo, the squad will fly on Friday afternoon - rather than the usual trip the day before the game - in order to find some kind of balance within the constraints and the recommendations for the best preparation for altitude."We will go one night earlier. It makes sense,” he said.Miguel Delaney3 July 2026 09:00‘It catches you off guard’: The true impact of Azteca altitude for England against MexicoEngland have overcome several World Cup obstacles already this summer – yet Thomas Tuchel is fully aware of the seismic challenge that awaits at the cauldron that is the Azteca Stadium in the last-16.The co-hosts have been whipped up into a piping-hot frenzy over the last three weeks, unleashed most impressively in their last-32 victory against Ecuador. Following a weather delay, the rampant Julian Quinonez and Raul Jimenez landed a pair of haymakers to leave their South American opponents dazed.Yet England’s most daunting task on Sunday night could well be the conditions, with altitude set to be a great leveller with Mexico City’s iconic Azteca situated 7,220ft (2,240m) above sea level. Jack Rathborn and Kieran Jackson report:Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 08:30The 10 (not entirely serious…) right-back options Thomas Tuchel should considerFour games, five right-backs, perhaps only one of them with a genuinely preferred position of right-back...And given that Tino Livramento was in the original squad and Ben White might have been but for injury, there could have been still others.But if Thomas Tuchel needs a sixth right-back of the World Cup for the upcoming trip to Mexico’s Azteca Stadium, who should he choose?Allow Richard Jolly to present the options...Richard Jolly3 July 2026 08:00Will Castle3 July 2026 07:30George Russell's altitude guide to Mexico CityNeeds tips on how to beat the altitude in Mexico City, England? F1 driver George Russell’s got you covered!Speaking before Silverstone this weekend, he recognises the huge physical challenge that awaits the Three Lions against Mexico at the Azteca.Mercedes’ Russell, who has competed at six F1 races in the Mexican capital with a best finish of fourth, said: “It is extremely tough. Walking on the streets you feel more out of breath than normal.“Sleeping you feel your heart rate is elevated and you feel a bit breathless. It is going to be a huge challenge and it is a huge advantage to the home team but that is how the cookie crumbles.“I would try and arrive as late as possible, and leave as soon as possible, because you don’t sleep that well. But for those guys running quickly around the pitch, it could have a big impact.“I would probably say (getting there late) is the best thing. You want to go into those 90 minutes being as fresh as possible. Any extra hour you are there your body is not in as good a place.”(PA)Will Castle3 July 2026 07:00England’s best five penalty takers at the World Cup – and one player who probably shouldn’t take oneHere we go again. England are into the knockout rounds of a World Cup, and now the threat of penalties loom over every nerve-jangling game.Lawrence Ostlere takes you through who should - and shouldn’t - take spot-kicks for England, if push comes to shove.Lawrence Ostlere3 July 2026 06:30