England ready to write their own chapter in iconic match, says Tuchel

England manager Thomas Tuchel said his team is relishing the opportunity to compete in one of football's most famous venues as they prepare for their World Cup last-16 clash against hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

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We are in an iconic place, an iconic stadium, a massive game, a knockout game against Mexico at the Azteca. It's an iconic match and a big stage, and we feel it.

Arriving in Mexico City, the England squad trained at Pumas UNAM's training complex, experiencing the high altitude for the first time. Tuchel acknowledged the conditions, noting that players adapted as the session progressed. "The players felt it in the first minutes of the training session and the longer it went, they could cope with it better," he told reporters. "It's just what it is."

Despite facing a passionate home crowd, Tuchel dismissed notions of a hostile reception, anticipating an "emotional" atmosphere. He stressed that overcoming obstacles, including the altitude and crowd support for Mexico, is part of the game. "We need to overcome obstacles, but we have the spirit, the commitment, the pure will and the glue in the team to overcome these things."

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The players felt it in the first minutes of the training session and the longer it went, they could cope with it better. It's just what it is.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson shared his manager's perspective, highlighting the significance of the match. "It doesn't get much better or bigger than playing Mexico in Mexico City in this stadium," Henderson said. He emphasized the team's focus on controllable factors, stating, "Everything that we can't influence, like altitude or kickoff times, is not in our control. For us, it's about full focus on our job ahead. No excuses. We're ready to go."

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I don't expect a hostile environment. I think it will be emotional and full of support for the home nation. Altitude, it is what it is. Home crowd, it is what it is.

Tuchel also addressed historical comparisons to England's 1986 quarter-final defeat at the Azteca, rejecting any notion of seeking revenge. "We're not here for revenge," he asserted. "We are here to write our own chapters. We are in good spirits and we are ready to go for tomorrow."

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We need to overcome obstacles, but we have the spirit, the commitment, the pure will and the glue in the team to overcome these things.