Former England captain Alan Shearer believes England will relish, rather than fear, the daunting challenge of facing co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in their FIFA World Cup last-16 clash.
Despite widespread concerns over the high altitude, hostile atmosphere and the prospect of a predominantly Mexican crowd, Shearer insisted England’s players would embrace the occasion instead of being intimidated by it.
The former striker said the focus would be on the football once the match gets underway, adding that England should ignore the hype surrounding the occasion and concentrate on their performance.
“It will be tough because of the altitude, the atmosphere and everything else,” Shearer said. “Mexico are at home and the crowd could be around 80 per cent in their favour, which is very different from anything England have experienced at this tournament.”
However, he believes such occasions are exactly what elite footballers dream of throughout their careers.
According to Shearer, playing in one of football’s most famous stadiums, in front of millions of television viewers with a place in the quarter-finals at stake, is the kind of challenge every player aspires to.
The 55-year-old also revealed his personal excitement at finally visiting the Azteca, having dreamed of the stadium since watching the 1986 World Cup as a teenager. England have not returned to the venue since their dramatic quarter-final defeat to Argentina at the tournament, a match remembered for Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal and his stunning solo effort.
Shearer noted that England had enjoyed overwhelming support during their matches in the United States, including their victory over Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta, where the majority of supporters were backing the Three Lions.
He acknowledged that the atmosphere in Mexico City would be a stark contrast but described it as another reason why the encounter promises to be a memorable spectacle.
Shearer, who will be on commentary duty alongside Guy Mowbray, urged England’s players to embrace the challenge with confidence.
“They should enjoy it, be positive and show everyone what they can do,” he said. “These are the moments you work your whole life for.”
