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Winning when you’re not at your best can be an excellent habit in football, but at some point that has to be backed by improved performances – if it isn’t, you’ll eventually run out of luck.
Holes can certainly be picked in every single one of England’s performances at the World Cup so far. But when you have world-class talent – particularly in attacking areas – you’ll always have the firepower to win games.
Despite going down to an early goal against DR Congo, England rallied and always looked likely to find the net – even if it took a brilliant brace from the incomparable Harry Kane to get the job done.
Mexico’s progress, meanwhile, could not have been any more serene.
Four games, four wins (three of those by a margin of 2+ goals) and three clean sheets… they are truly leaning into the advantages of being a co-host.
You will read and hear a lot about Mexico’s incredible record at the Estadio Azteca in the days ahead… can England become just the third team to beat the Mexicans at the venue in their last 90 outings?
Mexico v England tips
England to Qualify @ 4/6 (Bet365)
England to Qualify @ 4/6 (Bet365)
England to Win 2-1 @ 10/1 (Bet365)
First Goal Method - Header @ 9/2 (Bet365)
England to Win 2-1 @ 10/1 (Bet365)
First Goal Method - Header @ 9/2 (Bet365
Odds courtesy of Bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.Showing their class
Presumably, England will show their true class at some point.
Maybe that will come in a game where they aren’t so obviously fancied to win, and in which the opposition won’t simply metaphorically park the bus in front of their own goal.
Mexico don’t lose often at this incredible venue, but then they don’t play world-class opposition there that often either. And the revelation that England have enjoyed altitude training camps should assuage some of those fears of the Three Lions in the humidity and thin air.
In many ways, this could be England’s toughest game of the World Cup so far… and yet, strangely, that may just suit them.
Tip: Tip: England to Qualify @ 4/6 (Bet365)England to Qualify @ 4/6 (Bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if England win by any means; within 90 minutes, via extra time or on penalties.
Attack beats defence
Although Mexico don’t concede many goals, this is an England side primed to trouble them – with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in particular in fine form.
Thomas Tuchel’s Achilles heel may well be in defence; if Yoane Wissa had scored, rather than hit the post, when DR Congo were already leading England 1-0 the other day, this preview might have been for an entirely different game.
This feels like one of those contests in which attack could best defence, so a 2-1 correct score punt feels like decent value at 10/1.
Tip: England to Win 2-1 @ 10/1 (Bet365)England to Win 2-1 @ 10/1 (Bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if England win by a 2-1 scoreline (after regulation time).
Use your head
At a juicy price, let’s see if the prowess of these two teams in the air can pay dividends.
England, for all their faults, have looked dangerous at set pieces; a trait they have exploited since the Gareth Southgate days. If they were to score a header from a corner or a wide free kick in this game, few would be surprised.
Mexico’s line will be led by Raul Jimenez. He scored four Premier League goals with his head last season – only three players notched more, before missing a gilt-edged chance with his head against Ecuador last time out.
Tip: First Goal Method - Header @ 9/2 (Bet365) First Goal Method - Header @ 9/2 (Bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if the first goal of the game is scored from a header.
Mexico v England: Match result odds
Mexico: 21/10 (Bet365)Mexico: 21/10 (Bet365)
Draw: 21/10 (Bet365)
England: 7/5 (Bet365)