There is a look of wonder and fascination on Thomas Tuchel’s face whenever he talks about World Cup history.England boss Tuchel recalled with great fondness pretending to be Chris Waddle - complete with upturned collar - in his back garden, Italia 90 and the grainy pictures from Mexico in 1986.And in the early hours of Monday, Tuchel can write his own name into English football folklore. The German manager who led England to arguably their greatest-ever triumph on foreign soil.That is what it will mean to England. A moment in time. Victory in one of football’s most iconic stadiums with the odds - and screaming fans - stacked against them.‌Occasions do not get any bigger. Or higher. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Co will have to hit the heights in every sense.If beating the joint hosts in the Azteca Stadium was not hard enough, they will have to do it at 7,200 feet above sea level. It will be deafening, passionate and raucous. Welcome to hell, England.They will also have to do it 5,500 miles from home and the fact it kicks off at 1am English time only adds to the mystique and wonder.It was back in 1986 when Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God goal helped Argentina beat England in the Azteca. One moment of genius and the biggest piece of cheating in World Cup history.‌Tuchel spoke this week about “karma” and wanting to put the record straight, albeit they will be facing Mexico this time.Get the latest World Cup 2026 news in your inbox with our Make Football Great Again newsletterThey will also be facing a nation which has played 89 competitive games in the Azteca Stadium and have won 70, drawn 17 and lost just two which were both this century against Costa Rica in 2001 and Honduras in 2013.‌This time, Mexico have beaten South Africa, Czech Republic, South Korea and Ecuador without even conceding a goal.Their first knockout game with Ecuador was marred in controversy as the Ecuador FA submitted an official complaint to FIFA after Mexican fans surrounded their hotel and used loudspeakers, horns, and motorcycles to try and ensure they did not get a wink of sleep.Expect them to try and do the same on Saturday night and, while the FA are taking every available precaution from ear plugs to extra security, it will only add to the anticipation,Mexico City turns into a non-stop party full of anticipation while England’s bus journey will be lined by home fans and they will be greeted by a wall of noise when they arrive.‌For the first time in this tournament, England fans will be greatly outnumbered in Mexico City and within the stadium.There were crushes after the game with tragic consequences while during the match the noise was deafening. Even members of the Ecuador press were showered with objects after the game - and their team had lost.It is all set up for a huge mission for England. Like the boxer going overseas, not just against a fancied home opponent but also the referee and the whole crowd. Everything is stacked against England.‌That is why this will be such a famous win for England if they can do it. If you look man-for-man then England’s line-up will be full of superstars while Mexico’s attack is led by Raúl Jiménez who has just left Fulham on a free to join Wolves.But that is not the point. The point is the atmosphere, the cauldron, the noise, the daunting home record and the aura around this match.Mexico expects their team to win in the Azteca. They came out of the blocks at lightning speed against Ecuador - and only slowed down when the game was won.‌England had better get used to facing the hardest test of all when, at the same time, they will be grasping for air at high altitude.That is why this will be such a test for England. Few things compare. England’s win against Holland in the Euro 2024 semifinal. The 5-1 drubbing of Germany in Munich.But this is the World Cup. Mexico are joint hosts. It is the Azteca Stadium. This is the knock-out. This is everything for England - and the ultimate test for Tuchel.‌It is also why he was hired: to steer England to huge victories like this.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.