World Cup 2026: Why England players won’t fear Mexico or Azteca – Alan Shearer

I’ve heard a lot of talk about the difficult situation England will face at the Azteca Stadium – but I don’t think the players are worried about that.

Instead of dreading the various challenges they face, they think ‘bring it on’. I know I will.

When all the talking is done it stops and if you play the game instead of the show I think you win.

Yes, because of the altitude and the atmosphere and other things, it will be difficult. Co-hosts Mexico are at home and the crowd could be up to 80% their fans, which is a far cry from anything England have experienced in this tournament so far.

But as a player, these are the kind of games and moments that you train and work hard for all your life, because to go to such a wonderful stadium and play in front of millions of TV viewers at the World Cup, in the quarter-finals as the reward, is what you dreamed of as a boy.

Ever since I watched the 1986 World Cup on TV when I was young, I’ve wanted to go to the Azteca and this is the first since England lost that quarter-final to Argentina. It will be an amazing show as well as a unique challenge.

I’ve been following England in the United States this World Cup, and we’ve had great fans in all four matches so far.

In DRC, 75% of the crowd in Atlanta supported England, but that’s another reason why this will be a very different and exciting game to look forward to.

I’ll be there commentating with Guy Mowbray and I’m just as excited about it as the fans are. I bet the players are happy too.

Yes, it’s a challenge, but I tell them to embrace it and have fun – stay positive and show us all you can do.