England fighting history as well as Mexican nation in Azteca cauldron

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. England fighting history as well as Mexican nation in Azteca cauldronImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, England are aiming to dash the hopes of an expectant host nation when they face Mexico in the World Cup last 16 at the AztecaByPhil McNulty Chief football writer in Mexico CityPublished1 hour agoEngland will not just be fighting against the fierce passion of an entire nation when they face Mexico in the iconic Azteca Stadium for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals - they will be battling the weight of history. The atmosphere in Mexico City was already red hot more than 24 hours before the last-16 meeting, with giant screens erected along the length of Paseo de la Reforma and car horns blaring on the historic avenue. Only one subject is on the lips of Mexicans, and that is what will unfold in the Azteca cauldron on Sunday night (Monday 01:00 BST) when England try to halt the Mexico momentum that has left the country at fever pitch.

The game that will bring Mexico to a standstill cannot come quickly enough. Merchandise and souvenir sellers lined the streets at the Azteca on Saturday. Thunder and lightning rattled around the stadium.

The Details

It all adds to the scale of England's mammoth task against a Mexico side who have not conceded a goal in the World Cup and have lost only two competitive games out of 88 played at their spiritual home. England arrived in Mexico on Friday evening and have had little time to adjust to what will confront them at the Azteca, which stands 7,220ft above sea level. They will face alien conditions at altitude after playing two games in the temperature-controlled luxury of Dallas and Atlanta, then in the rain of Boston and New Jersey.

If this was not enough, England are entering this hostile sporting territory knowing Mexico, and the Azteca in particular, has not been their happy place. offers 'Stay Up or Catch Up' for England v Mexico Published2 days agoImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, England's last visit to the Azteca was the scene of Diego Maradona's Hand Of God goal when they lost 2-1 to Argentina in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finalEngland had hoped to keep their location secret after hundreds of Mexico supporters surrounded the base of last-32 opponents Ecuador's base, using car horns, roaring motorcycle engines and loud hailers to create a disturbance. It was all to no avail as home fans descended on England's hotel, where there has been a huge security presence, after their arrival.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel was visibly relishing the atmosphere and the occasion when he spoke at the Azteca, saying: "We saw the excitement and the emotions of the people when we arrived. They were emotional but also very, very respectful. "We felt the energy of the place right away, the people on the streets.

What Experts Say

You can feel the excitement. This is a next-level setting. "I felt straight away this would be a proper World Cup game.

We are in an iconic place and an iconic stadium. It is just the biggest stage and we feel it.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.