Shearer: England have nothing to fear at Azteca against Mexico

Alan Shearer has dismissed the idea that England should be intimidated by the unique challenge awaiting them at the iconic Azteca Stadium in their Round of 16 clash with Mexico. The former England captain, now a broadcaster co-commentator, believes Thomas Tuchel’s side will embrace the hostile atmosphere and difficult conditions rather than shrink from them. “I’ve heard a lot of talk about the difficult conditions England will face – altitude, the crowd, the history of the place – but I don’t think the players will be worried about any of that,” Shearer said. “They’ll be thinking ‘bring it on’. I know I would be. All the talk stops when you run out, and if they play the game rather than the occasion, I think they’ll win.” Mexico are co-hosts and could have up to 80 percent of the support inside the 87,000-seat stadium. Their record at Azteca is formidable – only two competitive defeats since 1966 – but Shearer points out that the quality of opposition has often been modest. “It does not make me think they are unbeatable. As a player, you see that stat and think, ‘fine, we’ll take on that challenge too.’” The confusion over the kick-off time, which was briefly changed before being reversed, added to the pre-match noise. Shearer also noted the kind of disruption England might face, citing Ecuador’s experience of being kept awake by car horns and fireworks before their last‑32 match. “If an alarm goes off at the hotel, it’s annoying but you accept it. It won’t faze the players.” Shearer has followed England across the United States during the tournament and observed the overwhelming support from English fans in previous matches. “Against DR Congo in Atlanta, about 75 percent of the crowd were behind us. This will be very different – and that’s what makes it such an incredible game.” Tuchel has selection dilemmas, particularly at right‑back, where Djed Spence offers defensive solidity but may sacrifice attacking thrust, and on the wings. Anthony Gordon’s cameo against DR Congo, in Shearer’s view, earned him a start on the left, while Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka are options on the right. Shearer cautioned against moving Declan Rice to right‑back, insisting the midfield trio of Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham provides the right balance. “Whatever team Tuchel picks, we have to start faster than we did against DR Congo.” Shearer expects England to progress: “These are the moments you train for all your life. I’ve wanted to go to the Azteca since watching the 1986 World Cup as a teenager. It’s going to be an amazing spectacle.”