England Coach Tuchel: 'We Come to Write Our Own History', Not Seek Revenge at Azteca

England's coach Thomas Tuchel declared that the team is not driven by a desire for revenge ahead of their match at the iconic Estadio Azteca. He referenced the painful memory of the 1986 World Cup quarter-final loss to Argentina, marked by Diego Maradona's famous goals, but insisted England's focus is on forging its own path.

"I think everyone remembers those iconic goals that were scored, it was a great defeat for the English team and it is painful, it still hurts, but we are not here for revenge," Tuchel stated in a press conference. "It's the same stadium, but it's not the same opponent, and even if it were, it wouldn't make sense. We come to write our own history and we are ready."

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I think everyone remembers those iconic goals that were scored, it was a great defeat for the English team and it is painful, it still hurts, but we are not here for revenge. It's the same stadium, but it's not the same opponent, and even if it were, it wouldn't make sense. We come to write our own history and we are ready.

Tuchel expressed no intimidation facing Mexico in the knockout stage at the Azteca, despite the expected crowd of over 80,000 supporting the home team. The former Chelsea manager revealed extensive knowledge of the Mexican team, noting their current top-10 ranking and recent strong performances. "We know everything about Mexico. Since they are now in the top 10 of the rankings and have had good results in their recent matches, not just in the World Cup, since March when they played Belgium, Portugal, we watched those matches, we analyzed them, and we know they are flexible," he said.

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We know everything about Mexico. Since they are now in the top 10 of the rankings and have had good results in their recent matches, not just in the World Cup, since March when they played Belgium, Portugal, we watched those matches, we analyzed them, and we know they are flexible.

He detailed Mexico's tactical adaptability, observing their fluid transitions between high and low defensive pressure and their attacking formations. "When they attack, they do so with many players in the middle, there are many situations we are aware of. I think we are prepared. We saw their strengths, we will try to exploit their weaknesses, with great respect, but we are aware that we need to have our best version offensively and defensively to achieve our goal, which is to beat Mexico," Tuchel added.

Upon entering the Estadio Ciudad de México, Tuchel felt the weight of history, describing it as a "football temple." He anticipates an "authentic World Cup match" in an "iconic place" against Mexico in an elimination game, calling the scenario "iconic."

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When they attack, they do so with many players in the middle, there are many situations we are aware of. I think we are prepared. We saw their strengths, we will try to exploit their weaknesses, with great respect, but we are aware that we need to have our best version offensively and defensively to achieve our goal, which is to beat Mexico.