England almost didn’t make it to this point.
DR Congo had a one-goal advantage for an extended stretch in the round of 32 before Harry Kane struck for two goals in the final 15 minutes.
DR Congo had an incredible defensive approach that frustrated England’s attackers and kept Kane out of the contest for long stretches.
Mexico has a better and more talented defense than what England saw in the round of 32.
Additionally, the El Tri defense will be bolstered by the atmosphere inside the Azteca.
England needs to find a way to break down Mexico’s defense in the first 60 minutes. Look for Jude Bellingham to be more active in the tight spaces in between the defensive blocks.
England can’t create all of its chances through the wing, so Bellingham and Elliott Anderson have to be more effective in the center to either distribute passes in a quick manner, or to take advantage of the spaces and shoot.
Kane is the best scorer in the matchup, but if he can’t get the ball on a consistent basis, it may hurt England more than it did in the last round.
