England have won four of their previous five World Cup round of 16 ties, but they should fall short in Mexico's back yard in the early hours of Monday.
England have won four of their previous five World Cup round of 16 ties and they will be hoping to enhance that impressive record at the expense of co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca in the early hours of Monday.
High expectations almost always accompany the Three Lions, although there is a realism that their task against Mexico will be a formidable one.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have had very little time to adjust to the high altitude conditions which should favour the opposition.
Of the 89 competitive games Mexico have played at the Azteca Stadium, they have registered 70 wins, 17 draws and two defeats.
Mexico are accustomed to succeeding on home soil and their contest with England is the subject of a bet builder which, if successful, pays out at 8/1 in the World Cup betting market.
Mexico v England Bet Builder Tips
El Tri will be tough to stop
Mexico have breezed through their opening four matches without conceding a goal and they can win a hard-fought contest against England, who have failed to live up to pre-tournament expectations.
Playing on home soil has clearly benefited the Mexicans, who seem to be improving with each game.
Javier Aguirre’s side would have expected a stern challenge from round of 32 opponents Ecuador, but they got straight onto the front foot and ran out fairly comfortable 2-0 winners.
Mexico’s energy and tempo was too much for Ecuador and it could hold the key to overcoming England, who have had insufficient time to acclimatise.
England have reached this stage with the help of some individual brilliance from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
But they have had some tough moments against fairly ordinary opposition and their journey through the tournament may be coming to an end.
Leg 1: Mexico to qualify @ 21/20
Raul could ruin English hopes
England have kept clean sheets in two of their last three matches but they have been far from convincing with their defensive work.
Ghana and Panama created chances against Tuchel’s team without showing a killer instinct, and DR Congo could have established a two-nil lead had Yoane Wissa demonstrated a little more composure in front of goal.
Mexico are sure to have their moments in front of goal and their star striker, Raul Jimenez, looks in the mood to take advantage.
Jimenez seems to be enjoying life more than ever at his fourth World Cup and his two-goal tally may be about to increase.
Leg 2: Raul Jimenez to score anytime @ 19/10
Clash of styles could limit the chances
Given the conditions, England may be forced to move away from the high-energy, high-pressing approach they have favoured since Tuchel took the job.
The Three Lions may choose to sit deep and play more on the counter-attack, and their approach could contribute to a tense, tactical affair.
Seven of Mexico’s last nine games have generated less than three goals and the low-scoring trend looks likely to continue.
Leg 3: Under three goals @ 3/5
