Mexico v England LIVE: Rice injury boost as Three Lions hope to avoid Mexico City disruption for World Cup clash

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Mexico v England LIVE: Rice injury boost as Three Lions hope to avoid Mexico City disruption for World Cup clash

World Cup 2026 co-hosts set to provide boisterous welcome for England ahead of Sunday night’s last-16 match

England are beginning their preparations for a massive World Cup meeting with Mexico after Harry Kane came to their rescue against DR Congo.

The captain’s double saved Thomas Tuchel’s side – and perhaps the manager’s job – after falling behind early in Atlanta, but a far tougher test is to come. The match, in Mexico City on Sunday, will provide a unique challenge with altitude and an anticipated hostile reception providing added factors for the England squad as they prepare for the Estadio Azteca – scene of Diego Maradona’s contrasting double in 1986. Declan Rice has been declared fully fit in a significant injury boost, while England are also plotting to avoid the impact of a boisterous set of Mexico supporters at their hotel.

Tuchel may well consider changes, with Rice operating at right-back in the closing stages against DR Congo – with Reece James again missing training – while Anthony Gordon changed the game in place of Marcus Rashford on the left. Pubs in the United Kingdom will be allowed to stay open until the early hours as England attempt to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Follow all the build-up to Sunday’s exciting tie with co-hosts Mexico:

Education Secretary responds to Thomas Tuchel plea

The Education Secretary says schoolchildren could watch England’s early-morning World Cup match against Mexico on Monday and still make it to class after head coach Thomas Tuchel said pupils should be allowed “an excuse for school”.

Victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday set up a meeting with the co-hosts in Mexico City that will kick off at 1am BST, likely impacting the size of the television audience able to watch.

In the past it has been common for schools and employers to allow England games in the latter stages of major tournaments to be shown when they clash with working hours, but Monday’s kick-off in the small hours poses a unique obstacle.

However, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson does not believe watching the match necessarily means children need to miss school.

“It’s a late game, but children can be in school the next day,” she told the Press Association.

Asked if she believed children can both watch the game and still make it into school, she said: “Well, I think they can, yes, but it’s for parents to decide how they manage this, and of course, it depends on the age of your children, how they feel.

“But this is about decisions for individual families.”

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 12:00

BBC to show spoiler-free replay of England’s World Cup clash with Mexico on Monday morning

England fans electing not to stay up until the early hours of Monday morning will be able to watch a full, spoiler-free replay of their World Cup game on BBC Two.

The broadcaster, which has the rights to England’s round of 16 clash with Mexico, has confirmed that it will show the game again from 7.10am BST on Monday.

BBC to show spoiler-free replay of England’s World Cup clash with Mexico on Monday

The broadcaster will play the match in full from 7.10am BST on Monday morning

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 11:45

England’s World Cup win gives economy welcome boost

England's World Cup victory has helped provide a boost to the economy, with pubs, retailers and consumers all poised to benefit despite signs that business confidence remains under pressure.

Investors backed hospitality stocks as football fans headed to pubs to celebrate the Three Lions' success, while a sharp fall in oil prices is feeding through to cheaper petrol, lower mortgage rates and easing concerns over the wider economic impact of the Iran conflict.

England’s World Cup win gives economy welcome boost

Pubs on the up, but business confidence remains low

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 11:30

Copa Independent | Where does Harry Kane’s talismanic double rank in all-time England World Cup moments?

You can watch the latest episode of Copa Independent, our highly insightful and entertaining World Cup podcast, below – or listen wherever you get your audio offerings!

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 11:10

HAVE YOUR SAY: How far will England go?

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 11:00

What is England’s route to the World Cup final after beating DR Congo?

Want to know England’s likely route to the final if they can get past Mexico? Will Castle has you covered:

What is England’s route to the World Cup final after beating DR Congo?

England’s bid to win a first World Cup in 60 years continues with Mexico next

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 10:50

What England fans should know about travelling to Mexico City

Making the trip to Mexico City? Amelia Neath has some handy travel advice for you.

What England fans should know about travelling to Mexico City

Three people died during crowd celebrations in Mexico City on Tuesday night. Here is how to stay safe as England plays Mexico at Estadio Azteca this weekend

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 10:35

The Cornish miners who brought football and pasties to Mexico

Any travelling fans won’t be the first Englishmen in Mexico. Here’s the story of a group of Cornish miners who brought pasties and football.

The Cornish miners who brought football and pasties to Mexico

Looking at Mexico’s football history ahead of England’s World Cup game

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 10:20

Mexico v England tickets reach eye-watering £27,000 for World Cup last-16 tie

Tickets for England’s last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at World Cup 2026 are selling for eye-watering prices up to $36,000 [£27,300].

The clash is rivalling the most expensive World Cup knockout fixtures ever after England battled to a 2-1 victory over DR Congo thanks to Harry Kane’s rescue act to set up a mouthwatering tie at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, at 1am BST on Monday.

Mexico v England tickets reach eye-watering £27,000 for World Cup last-16 tie

England fans face huge prices to try and secure a spot at the World Cup last-16 clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 10:00

Thomas Tuchel offers encouraging Declan Rice injury update for England’s Mexico clash

Declan Rice does not have any injury, Thomas Tuchel said, as he expects his influential midfielder to be in shape for England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday.

The 27-year-old had to go off at the end of England’s late 2-1 win over Democratic Republic of Congo, having been managing nerve pain in his back over the course of the tournament.

Rice has notoriously played well over 4,000 minutes this season, leaving him as one of the most overworked of many such players at this World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel offers encouraging Declan Rice injury update for England’s Mexico clash

Rice is managing nerve pain in his back and was forced off towards the end of the win over DR Congo

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 09:45

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