Mexico prepares for England clash as Raul Jimenez leads El Tri

Mexico striker Raúl Jiménez told the press that the team is "fully focused and united" ahead of the World Cup round‑of‑16 match against England at the Estadio Azteca. He rejected the idea that England is the clear favorite, stressing that performance on the pitch and fan support will decide the outcome. Jiménez, now with 47 international goals, stands second on Mexico’s all‑time scoring list, behind only Javier Hernández.

The match follows a wave of fan enthusiasm, including a large serenade outside the England camp and widespread social‑media excitement. Jiménez also highlighted his personal story: after a severe skull fracture in a 2020 Premier League collision, he returned to top‑level football wearing a custom‑made padded headband that has become his trademark.

Both sides enter the knockout stage with high expectations – England as a traditional powerhouse and Mexico seeking to break a long streak of round‑of‑16 exits. The encounter will be the first World Cup knockout game on home soil for Mexico since 1986.