Mexico vs England Predictions

• Mexico have scored in all of their World Cup games
• England have hit eight goals across their four games
• Mexico are on a 12-game unbeaten run

Intimidating Azteca awaits England

Two late goals from captain Harry Kane spared England’s blushes against DR Congo but they will need to raise their levels significantly if they are to overcome co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in the last 16 on Sunday night.

England conceded after just seven minutes against Les Leopards and then toiled for over an hour, surviving a few tricky moments themselves, before Kane levelled matters on 75 minutes and then hit a winner with four minutes of normal time remaining – with Antony Gordon assisting both goals after replacing Marcus Rashford.

Mexico have enjoyed a far more straightforward passage to this stage after beating South Africa, Czech Republic and South Korea in the group phase. El Tri overcame Ecuador 2-0 in their first knockout tie and are yet to concede at the World Cup, but England represent their toughest test to date.

Both teams to score a strong angle

England’s performance against DR Congo was a disappointing one, particularly in defence, but they are still rated as the favourites to win on Sunday at 6/4. Mexico are 2/1 underdogs but the best angle could be backing both of these teams to score at an odds-against price.

Mexico are yet to draw a blank at the World Cup with eight goals in five matches. Going back further, they are on an eight-game scoring streak and have only failed to score in one of their last 13 games.

El Tri may have got this far without conceding but England’s attack is the best they will have faced by some distance. Kane should come into the game in confident mood after his double against DR Congo, taking his tournament tally to five. Like Mexico, England have hit eight goals across their four games and they have a strong scoring record as they have only failed to score in two of their last 28 games. The Three Lions did draw a blank in the group stages against Ghana but the Black Stars set up solely to defend and Mexico will be more adventurous.

All the advantages in Mexico’s favour

If England are at their best they should be able to beat Mexico but largely they have underwhelmed at the World Cup. They impressed in their opener against Croatia but then struggled to impose themselves against Ghana and Panama, before coming close to what would have been a humiliating defeat to DR Congo.

In contrast, Mexico have probably improved with each game so they are the form team coming into this clash. El Tri also have the benefit of home advantage and this game will be played at altitude as the Azteca sits 7,200ft above sea level – the Mexican squad are used to playing in these conditions and England don’t have the time to adapt.

This game should be close but with those advantages Mexico look the more likely winners and they can grind out a 2-1 win over England. Mexico are scoring on average two goals per-game in this competition and England haven’t conceded more than twice in any of their last 14 games.

Julian Quinones has three goals in four games at the World Cup and he stands out as a potential Mexican scorer but another Kane effort has to be the best goalscorer option. The Bayern Munich man enjoyed an outrageous season at club level with 36 goals in 31 Bundesliga games and he’s been a reliable performer in an otherwise inconsistent England team with five goals in four games.