How England's nemesis low block could be secret weapon against Mexico

England’s last-16 match against Mexico at Azteca Stadium centers on how a low block could become a strategic “secret weapon,” despite England’s prior struggles against this style. The article notes that Azteca sits around 7,220 feet above sea level, and that Mexico City altitude can cause earlier muscle fatigue and harder breathing for visiting teams like England. Mexico, coached by Javier Aguirre, have won every game in the tournament so far without conceding, raising the stakes of how England responds tactically. It argues that England may need to “set the board” defensively, as described by Rene Maric, to shape the match and limit Mexico’s attacking patterns. England struggled against a deep, stubborn low block from Ghana in a 0-0 group-stage draw, making the Mexico challenge more significant.