É. Lira

Get a grip on Mora and take aerial route: what England can do to contain Mexico

Thomas Tuchel’s team can tame the co-hosts by slowing things down and isolating Raúl Jiménez One of the question marks over Mexico’s team before this World Cup centred on a shortage of obvious star quality. That accusation does not hold any more. Gilberto Mora does not turn 18 until October but has played with the authority of a veteran since Javier Aguirre answered a nation’s prayers and plunged him into the starting lineup. Against Czechia and Ecuador he made a huge difference, adding depth and daring to Mexico’s previously functional attacking patterns. He was happy to get stuck in against a midfield that included Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo, knowing he had solid backup from the more defensive Érik Lira. Mora has been compared with Andrés Iniesta; he certainly has the former Barcelona player’s quick feet and deftness of touch, and England will have to be wary of his right-sided combinations with Jorge Sánchez and the winger Roberto Alvarado. Continue reading...