How England used five mini games to beat Mexico

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. How England used five mini games to beat Mexico Figure caption, England win thriller against Mexico to reach quarter-finalsByUmir Irfan Football tactics correspondentPublished3 hours agoMuch was made about the challenges England would face against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium - and it proved to be tough. Between the crowd, the altitude of Mexico City and the intensity of the Mexico players, England had to manage the game in numerous phases - phases so distinct that it felt like five smaller games. England manager Thomas Tuchel proved again why he is known to be so tactically astute and a master in knockout football as England reached the last 16 of the World Cup.

Game 1: Keep Mexico at bayEngland's phased approach to the match was confirmed by assistant coach Anthony Barry at half-time. "We prepared the players that up until the first water break it would be a difficult game," he said. "We would have to suffer.

The Details

Mexico always start fast. We knew 0-0 would be a good result . "England muted some of Mexico's momentum early on.

The visitors were notably more measured defensively than in previous games. Before the match Tuchel, who has instilled high-intensity pressing into his side, called for them to be more deliberate in doing so. "We are fully committed to our press," he said.

"But it's not economical. We need to be smart and pick the right moments. "England did pick their moments, albeit not without flaws, and looked better than they did against DR Congo in the last 32.

What Experts Say

When Mexico built from deep, England used Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and an extra player - one more than they used against DR Congo - to cut off their options. Their improved press stalled Mexico but, through clever dropping-deep movements, a midfielder or winger would show for the ball unmarked and Javier Aguirre's men were able to get up the pitch. England midfielder Elliot Anderson held his position deeper in these moments - close to his centre-backs - rather than pressing high, to prevent the easy out-ball for Mexico.

This became a key detail later in the game. Image caption, Harry Kane looks to cut off the pitch, Jude Bellingham marks the Mexico holding midfielder; Anthony Gordon marks the wide defender and Elliot Anderson marks the attacking midfielder. Image caption, As play is recycled, Anderson drops deeper rather than staying on the player he was initially marking.

Goalkeeper Raul Rangel finds this free player and Mexico escape. When Mexico established possession higher up the pitch, England dropped into a mid-block. They were willing to defend space in the early parts of the game rather than looking to win it back immediately.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.