Every last 16 game in a World Cup feels monumental, but Mexico vs England is bigger than most.A clash between the co-hosts and one of the pre-tournament favourites at one of football’s most venerated venues, the Estadio Azteca, needed no more intrigue but the late talk of moving the kick-off forward by six hours before deciding against it was a twist nobody saw coming.Here, we take a closer look at Sunday’s game and where it might be decided.What’s the key information I need to know?World rankings: Mexico 10th, England 4th
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Date: Sunday, July 5
Kick-off: 6pm local time (CST)/ 5pm PT/ 8pm ET/ 1am BST (Monday)How did Mexico reach the last 16?Mexico are yet to concede in their four matches and are averaging two goals a game. They topped Group A with wins over South Africa (2-0), South Korea (1-0) and the Czech Republic (3-0). Next came a 2-0 victory over a tired-looking Ecuador in the round of 32 at the Azteca, as star players Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones secured their first World Cup knockout win since their last home tournament in 1986.Julian Quinones is one of Mexico’s danger men. (Rodrigo Oropeza / AFP via Getty Images)How did England reach the last 16?Not as convincingly. After beating Croatia 4-2 in their opening group game, England drew 0-0 with Ghana and beat Panama 2-0 to top Group L to set up a round of 32 tie with DR Congo. Thomas Tuchel’s team were frustrated for much of that match and seemed to be heading out as they trailed to Brian Cipenga’s early opener. But captain Harry Kane stepped forward with two goals in the final 15 minutes to save his country and take his tournament tally to five and World Cup total over the years to 13, the joint sixth-highest total of all-time.How to watch on TVUSA: 8pm ET / 5pm PT: Fox Sports (English), Telemundo/ Peacock (Spanish)
