Marc Guéhi: Mexico Are the Favorites Against England at the Legendary Azteca

England defender Marc Guéhi has labeled Mexico as the clear favorites ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 clash this Sunday at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The Three Lions booked their spot in the knockout stage after a gritty comeback win over DR Congo on Wednesday. Now Thomas Tuchel’s side faces one of the toughest tests of the tournament — not just a strong opponent, but a hostile crowd and the challenge of playing at 2,200 meters above sea level. Mexico’s home record at the Azteca is staggering: only two defeats in 89 official matches. Guéhi, a runner-up at Euro 2024, acknowledged the advantage the co-hosts hold: “We know they’re a good team, and they have the crowd — it’s going to be a massive explosion. I’d say they’re kind of the favorites. They’re playing at home, they know the surroundings much better. They haven’t conceded a goal yet, they have a perfect record. It’s going to be an exciting challenge. You come to these competitions to play against the best teams, in the best atmospheres. This is a game we’re all looking forward to,” the defender told FIFA. The match also carries deep historical weight for England. It marks exactly 40 years since the infamous 1986 quarterfinal against Argentina at the same venue, where Diego Maradona scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal. The altitude adds another layer. Guéhi emphasized the importance of mental resilience and visualization: “I think I know my character. It’s just about how you handle those moments. You start to picture what those moments will look like and you visualize them so that when they come, you’re not surprised.”