Former England captain Alan Shearer stated that the current squad will not be intimidated by the prospect of playing Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. He noted that while the conditions, including altitude and a potentially hostile crowd, will be challenging, the players are accustomed to such high-stakes environments.
Shearer suggested that the players will likely view the match as an opportunity rather than a threat. "Instead of having any fear about the different tests they face, they will just be thinking 'bring it on'," he said. He emphasized that the focus will shift to the game itself once the players take to the field. The atmosphere is expected to be intense, with the home crowd potentially making up as much as 80% of the attendance, a stark contrast to the predominantly English crowds at their previous matches in the tournament.
The Azteca Stadium holds significant historical weight in World Cup lore. Shearer recalled watching the 1986 World Cup there as a teenager and noted that this match marks England's return to the iconic venue since their quarter-final loss to Argentina. He described the upcoming game as an "amazing spectacle as well as a unique test."
Shearer, who has been following England's campaign in the United States, observed that the team has had strong support from their fans in all previous matches. He contrasted this with the expected atmosphere in Mexico, anticipating a much different feeling with the home team heavily backed. Shearer, who will be co-commentating on the match, expressed his own excitement, which he believes is shared by the players.
"Yes, it's a challenge but I would say to them to embrace it and enjoy it - be positive and show us all what you can do," Shearer advised the England squad.