Coach Aguirre says selfless Mexico ready for England test

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre believes his team's greatest strength heading into Sunday's World Cup clash with England is not momentum or home advantage, but a selfless dressing room built on humility and a shared willingness to compete.

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We chose players who did not prioritise their individual talent, but instead put it at the service of the team; players who left their egos aside and were humble

Aguirre stated that the players selected were those who "did not prioritise their individual talent, but instead put it at the service of the team; players who left their egos aside and were humble." He believes this mentality is crucial for facing a formidable England side led by striker Harry Kane.

"They are a very powerful side physically, but they also play good football," Aguirre said of England. He specifically noted Kane as a "world-class figure" whose goal-scoring prowess for Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, and the national team demands collective attention. "We will try to make sure he is not comfortable on the pitch when he drops to receive, that there is always someone on him so he cannot create play."

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They are a very powerful side physically, but they also play good football

At the offensive end, Mexico will rely on the experience of striker Raul Jimenez, who has played in the Premier League. However, Aguirre focused less on Jimenez's experience and more on his contribution to the team's spirit. "He is one of the group, he helps like one of the group, he behaves like one of the group. He has no attitude of being a star," the coach said.

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Harry Kane is a world-class figure. The goals he scored at Tottenham (Hotspur), the goals he scores at Bayern (Munich), and the goals he scores for his national team are those of a top, top player in the world.

Jimenez echoed Aguirre's sentiments, calling the match against England at the Azteca Stadium "a special match." He added that the squad's togetherness has been evident throughout the tournament. "I think that commitment has been evident in every match, how fully invested we are. Well, I'm really happy to be part of it," Jimenez said.

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We will try to make sure he is not comfortable on the pitch when he drops to receive, that there is always someone on him so he cannot create play.