England might benefit from using a low block against Mexico

England's football team is preparing for a World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where altitude will play a major role. The stadium sits about 7,220 feet above sea level, potentially causing muscle fatigue and breathing difficulties for England players.

Mexico have won all their tournament games so far without conceding a goal, displaying tactical flexibility – switching between four or five defenders and alternating between possession-based play and deep defending to counter-attack. England have struggled against teams employing a low block, most notably in a 0-0 draw with Ghana in the group stage.

Tuchel could adopt a defensive strategy that Bayern Munich assistant coach Rene Maric calls 'setting the board' – choosing a defensive approach regardless of the opponent to force Mexico into a style England can counter. Using a low block in a 4-5-1 formation would reduce running distances and congest the centre against Mexico's midfielders.

Mexico's key strength is their fast starts – they are most dangerous in the first 15 minutes of each half. Both Tuchel and midfielder Jordan Henderson have acknowledged the need to prepare for Mexico's intense opening. A more measured defensive approach early on might therefore make sense.

According to Maric, you can choose your defending strategy independently of the opponent, but offensively it is harder. Tuchel must pick moments to play directly to release players like Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham. Slower, longer build-up phases could also silence the Mexican home crowd.

Tuchel's decision to select a squad with similar profiles allows five substitutions without altering team dynamics, which could be decisive as Mexico tires. The match promises to be a tactical chess game, with Tuchel – who has shown a knack for effective in-game adjustments – facing one of his toughest challenges yet.