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The five hours of chaos surrounding England’s World Cup tie that exposed Fifa’s lack of leadership

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As Gianni Infantino stood beaming in the Miami stands on an unforgettable night at the World Cup, posing for selfies amid celebrities at the unforgettable Argentina vs Cape Verde match, it was hard not to wonder whether he should have been more focused on what Fifa are actually supposed to be about: running football tournaments.

Because, over five needlessly chaotic hours on Friday, they almost failed at the basics of that: confirming a kick-off time for a football match.

The basic details are worth recapping, all the more so because they are clouded in so much confusion.

Shortly after midday in Mexico City, and 7pm in the UK, one Mexican broadcaster reported as fact that Sunday’s last-16 match between Mexico and England was being brought forward six hours – to 12pm local – “due to a forecast of thunderstorms”.

National team coach Javier Aguirre even went on the same broadcaster’s show to furiously complain about it.

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Various federation figures and Fifa sources were initially slow to even respond to questions about this, but it was eventually confirmed that negotiations were taking place. There was still a keenness within the global governing body to insist that there had been no agreement on a new time, or that the game was yet going to be moved.

Mexican media were still reporting it as a done deal, however, that this game was absolutely taking place at 12pm.

Mexico v Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium
Mexico v Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium (Reuters)

A rare popular Sir Keir Starmer decision, to allow pubs to stay open for a 1am kick-off, apparently wasn’t even going to have benefit. England fans would instead get to watch at prime time.

And then… an about-turn, if that’s how you can even describe this.

Some local media were reporting that the game was taking place at the original time, after all.

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Just before 5pm, midnight in the UK, Fifa sources were confirming this, but after a lot of confusion and considerable cost.

This went beyond the two teams having to completely reconsider preparation plans for such a crucial game. The Independent has been told of England supporters who felt forced into paying thousands of dollars just to try and fulfil the dream of seeing the team at the Azteca, because their travel to Mexico City was cutting it too close.

That was directly because of a dismal lack of communication, that was all the worse given the proximity to the match.

Thomas Tuchel at England training on Friday before chaos surrounded the kick-off time of their match
Thomas Tuchel at England training on Friday before chaos surrounded the kick-off time of their match (Getty)

In normal circumstances, after all, you could actually have some sympathy for Fifa here.

The summer circumstances in north America mean they have to be prepared for a certain adaptability due to the weather, and storms in Mexico City at this time of year are said by locals to be “like clockwork” and ferocious.

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Fifa sources were talking about a “risk of flooding”. This match may yet be delayed on the night.

Mexican sources were meanwhile talking of other necessary considerations, like security and public order after the difficulties of handling celebrations following Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Ecuador.

There was obviously a lot to think about, and it’s completely fair that Fifa would have to discuss contingency plans.

It’s also out of their control that Mexican media just went and reported a change to kick-off.

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A weather warning at the stadium hosting England's game with Costa Rica
A weather warning at the stadium hosting England’s game with Costa Rica (Getty)

Fifa were wrong-footed.

What is not out of their control, though, is how they respond to that.

There was no leadership, direction or answers. Infantino at that point didn’t seem to have control of his own competition.

Such perceptions became even worse when the various involved parties were pursued for explanation.

No one at Fifa was willing to go into any of it. The Football Association insisted it was nothing to do with them, and they are understood to have been astounded by developments. They hadn’t even been notified about any discussions when reports appeared in Mexican media, despite Fifa sources stating both federations had been informed at the same time. Aguirre fulminated that he hadn’t even been consulted.

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“The schedule change hits like a kick in the stomach,” the Mexican coach said, while speaking to the logistical issues that both sides were now having to consider. “We have to change the entire plan. I don’t like it at all, nor do my players.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino was at Argentina v Cape Verde
Fifa President Gianni Infantino was at Argentina v Cape Verde (Getty)

“Of course, the food, the nap, the sleep, the physiotherapy, everything, everything, it seems trivial, but it isn’t.”

Sources close to the Mexican FA were meanwhile saying they had been informed by local broadcasters.

As people scrambled for info, the England camp were en route from Kansas City to Mexico City. Their flight was apparently one of the few in north America that doesn’t have wifi.

As they were travelling, reports emerged in Mexico that all of this was a consequence of negotiations between Fifa and the BBC – a claim the BBC flatly denied.

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The majority of those connected to the story already felt that idea was absurd, that the corporation would never consider trying to change the schedule, especially at this late stage.

The BBC were still one of the few to go on record.

Javier Aguirre was furious at a proposed kick-off time change
Javier Aguirre was furious at a proposed kick-off time change (Reuters)

No one else was willing to take public responsibility for pushing the change, and there was a lot of private finger-pointing.

Some believe it speaks to the ad hoc manner of governance in Infantino’s Fifa.

The eventual adherence to the original time – after five hours of confusion – was decided upon after hours of discussions with both federations.

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While fears do persist about delays and flooding, a key factor was that the operation around the game – right up to military personnel – was too complicated for it to be changed.

The potential for confusion was too great. There’d been enough on Friday, not quite a day when time stood still but somehow went back and forth, amid all kinds of spin.

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2026 World Cup: France vs. Paraguay prediction, picks, odds, preview

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Can anyone stop France? Kylian Mbappe and Co. have looked incredibly strong and now enter the Round of 16 in incredible form. Their opponents, however, will be full of confidence. Paraguay should be riding high after their upset victory over Germany. Can they shock the world again, or will France be too strong? Kickoff in Philadelphia is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.

The latest France vs. Paraguay odds from FanDuel list France as -1800 favorites to advance to the next round, while Paraguay are +1080 underdogs. Meanwhile, the Over/Under for total goals scored in regulation time is 2.5. There’s no shortage of other soccer betting options at FanDuel, where you can use the latest FanDuel promo code to get $1,000 in bet reset tokens. 

You can get even more France vs. Paraguay picks and more World Cup bets from SportsLine’s experts like Brad Thomas, Jon Eimer, Martin Green and Brandt Sutton. Anyone following their World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

France vs. Paraguay odds

France vs. Paraguay 90-minute money line: France -600, Tie +600, Paraguay +1700
France vs. Paraguay 90-minute over/under: 2.5 (Over -150, Under +122)
Bet France vs. Paraguay on FanDuel: Check out the latest FanDuel promo code here

France vs. Paraguay betting preview

Germany are a shadow of what they used to be on the pitch, but Paraguay can still proudly proclaim themselves to be giant slayers after they sent the Germans packing in the Round of 32. A gutsy performance dragged the game out to penalty kicks, where the Paraguayans kept their cool and delivered the knockout blow. It was a match that cost German manager Julian Nagelsmann his job.

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Paraguay’s reward? A date with Kylian Mbappe and France, undoubtedly the tournament’s best team thus far. Les Blues have been downright terrifying. This isn’t a one-man show with Mbappe, even if he’s scored a hefty chunk of the goals. Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele is here too, as is Bayern Munich maestro Michael Olise, who may very well be the tournament’s MVP to this point. PSG attacker Bradley Barcola? Manchester City magician Rayan Cherki? They’re usually on the bench because of the sheer embarrassment of riches here. 

Didier Deschamps, now coaching his last World Cup, has taken the shackles off his team. France used to win by controlling the game with possession and midfielders like N’Golo Kante. Now it’s an all-out attack that looks to punch you in the mouth and then throw another to your gut before you can catch your breath. 

Paraguay, to their credit, showed plenty of defensive resilience against the Germans. But Germany have been harshly criticized for lacking a true killer in attack. Les Blues are a murderer’s row. 

The upset of Germany was an amazing spectacle. But this is likely the end of the road for Paraguay, even if they make France work for their meal. 

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France vs. Paraguay picks, prediction

Half with most goals: First half (+194)

That performance against Germany makes it easy to forget that the United States put three goals past Paraguay before halftime. As good as the USMNT have been at this World Cup, they’re not France. It might take 15-20 minutes, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see France land a few haymakers before halftime and then ease off the gas in the back end. It’s going to be brutally hot in Philadelphia, and the pitch could also be a mess from storms that are also in the forecast. Either way, Deschamps may want to get his stars off their feet as soon as possible to preserve them for the quarterfinals. 

Ousmane Dembele anytime goalscorer (+145)

Dembele has grown into the tournament and had a hat trick in France’s shellacking of Norway and an assist against Sweden. We’ll take a gamble here and say that Dembele doesn’t just have a particular grudge against Scandinavia.

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D’Tigers reach FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Second Round

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Nigeria’s D’Tigers secured their place in the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers after edging Guinea 80-79.

The narrow victory booked Nigeria’s place in the next stage and also handed Guinea their first defeat of the qualifying campaign.

In a game that was decided by just one point, D’Tigers held their nerve late on to seal another important win and continue their push toward a place at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

  • FIFA World Cup 2026 official tournament logo ahead of the global football championship.FIFA World Cup 2026 official tournament logo ahead of the global football championship.

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Nigeria Basketball celebrated the result on social media, writing:

“NIGERIA WINS!!!!! WHAT A GAME!!”

Shortly after the victory, the federation also confirmed Nigeria’s qualification with another message that read:

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“TEAM NIGERIA QUALIFIED – SECOND ROUND.”

The result continues an impressive run for D’Tigers, who followed up their victory over Tunisia with another hard-fought performance against one of the competition’s strongest teams.

With qualification for the second round now secured, Nigeria will shift its attention to the next phase of the qualifiers as the team moves a step closer to earning a place at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

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World Cup Latest (July 3)

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World Cup Latest (July 3)

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What I’m snagging at PGA Tour Superstore this July 4th weekend

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Wyndham Clark’s putter is June’s best seller, so I built one for myself

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England face Mexico in Azteca fortress, returning to scene of Maradona handball

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Thomas Tuchel’s stuttering England are an ideal target for co-hosts Mexico as they seek a prestigious World Cup win in their final game at the near-impregnable Azteca stadium, the scene of the infamous Maradona handball that still haunts the Three Lions decades later.  

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World Cup chance for Roma’s Kone as Tchouameni ruled out of Paraguay vs. France

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The latest reports claim that Roma’s Manu Kone is in line to start for France in their 2026 World Cup round of 16 match against Paraguay on Saturday evening as Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni has been ruled out through injury.

Kone expected to start for France in World Cup round of 16 clash

France are among the favourites to go all the way at the 2026 World Cup and have a 100% win rate in tact after group stage victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway and a 3-0 win over Sweden in the round of 32 on Tuesday.

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Didier Deschamps’s side will have to do without the services of Madrid’s Tchouameni, who reported a thigh injury during France’s most recent training session according to updates from the likes of l’Equipe and RMC (via Gianluca Di Marzio).

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Roma’s Kone is the expected replacement for the Madrid man, given that he already has two starts to his name at the tournament in North America.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 26: Manu Kone #6 of France is challenged by Patrick Berg #6 of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and France at Boston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Thus far, France have rotated between three different combinations of Kone, Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot in their midfield double pivot behind the frightening front four of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Kylian Mbappe.

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Kone started alongside Rabiot for France’s 3-0 group stage victory over Iraq and alongside Tchouameni for the 4-1 win over Norway, but came out of the line-up for the round of 16 victory against Sweden.

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The round of 16 clash between Paraguay and France will kick off at 22.00 BST, taking place in Philadelphia.

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DeAndre Hopkins, a Justin Jefferson Trade, The Battle Winner

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DeAndre Hopkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown for the Cardinals against the Texans.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first half at State Farm Stadium on Oct 24, 2021. Hopkins added another Arizona highlight in Glendale, turning a scoring play into a familiar end-zone moment for one of football’s smoothest pass catchers. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings’ rumor mill is a constantly breathing beast, and this weekend it lassoes a wide receiver, a trade, and the projected winner of the summer quarterback competition.

The rumors will continue until training camp and beyond, so here’s a look at the latest.

The Hopkins Reunion Angle Still Has a Pulse

DeAndre Hopkins reacts after a run for the Ravens against the Texans. Vikings rumors
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) reacts after a first-quarter run against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on Oct 5, 2025. The veteran playmaker worked through traffic in Baltimore, adding another sideline-ready moment during a matchup against one of his former teams inside a rugged early offensive stretch. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images.

Rumor: Despite signing Jauan Jennings in May, DeAndre Hopkins remains an option for the Vikings.

This one came from CBS Sports. Brad Crawford wrote last week, “The Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs are three potential fits for Hopkins, all of which have been discussed by the former first-round pick at some point this offseason. Joe Burrow is one quarterback Hopkins said he would enjoy playing with during an interview with Sports Illustrated.”

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“In Minnesota, Hopkins would reunite with former Arizona Cardinals teammate Kyler Murray. The pair played three seasons together from 2020-22, hooking up 17 times for touchdowns over that stretch.”

TMZ asked Hopkins about Murray and the Vikings in March, and he replied, “Kyler — that’s my boy, man. Kyler is like family. I talked to Kyler throughout the year last year. I talked to Kyler after, you know, his situation in Arizona. Kyler’s like family, man.”

“I would always, you know, embrace that journey with him. He’s on a one-year deal? Whatever I can do for what someone like that — if Kyler need me he know I’m there, if the Vikings need me they know I’ll be there.”

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Minnesota doesn’t really need a WR3 or WR4 at the moment — Jennings basically solved all WR questions — but Hopkins on an affordable contract would assuredly excite fans.

Rumor: Justin Jefferson could grow disgruntled and request a trade.

Another CBS Sports special, Garrett Podell sized up prominent NFL stars who could ask for a trade in the near future. Sadly, Jefferson pulled down a nomination.

Podell wrote, “Prediction on whether or not Jefferson will eventually ask for a trade: Yes, by the 2028 NFL offseason. The McCarthy-Murray competition will fail to bear long-term fruit at football’s most important position, leaving Jefferson dissatisfied entering the final season of his four-year, $140 million deal in 2028.”

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“Out of guaranteed money, Jefferson will be looking for a new, multiyear deal at the age of 29, but he’ll aim to get his next batch of guaranteed cash elsewhere. Compensation to get the deal done: First-round pick and third-round pick. It’s a similar package to the one the Patriots used to acquire Brown from the Eagles, but instead of a fifth-round pick, Minnesota gets a third-round draft choice since Jefferson doesn’t come with the same attitude and fluidity questions.”

Justin Jefferson hugs Kevin O’Connell before a Vikings game against the Lions. Vikings rumors
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) hugs head coach Kevin O’Connell before a game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on Oct 20, 2024. The pregame moment captured Minnesota’s franchise receiver and head coach together before another NFC North matchup in Minneapolis, where the Vikings prepared for Detroit’s challenge. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Randy Moss left the Vikings after seven seasons in 2005. This year is — checks notes — Jefferson’s seventh season.

“Likely landing spot: Las Vegas Raiders. It’s hard to project how the NFL landscape will look years down the road, but the Raiders make plenty of sense for a multitude of reasons,” Podell continued.

“Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will need a true WR1 to complement All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, and Las Vegas has shown a willingness to trade for a superstar wide receiver at the back of the end their 20s: The Raiders traded a first-round draft choice and a second-round draft choice to the Green Bay Packers in 2022 in exchange for a 29-year-old Davante Adams.”

Rumor: Kyler Murray will win the Vikings’ QB1 competition, per NFL.com.

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Nick Shook of NFL.com investigated which NFL players could most improve this season, citing Murray as a top contender. Along the way, he declared QB1 projection for the Vikings: “Murray’s shift from Arizona to Minnesota isn’t quite the discovery of an oasis, but it’s certainly a better situation for the former No. 1 overall pick than the one he inhabited in the desert.”

“After dealing with injuries and logging just five games in 2025, Murray is now playing under quarterback expert Kevin O’Connell and has the privilege of throwing passes to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings and T.J. Hockenson in a stable offensive scheme that helped Sam Darnold post a career year in 2024.”

Kyler Murray throws a pass during Vikings minicamp in Eagan. Vikings rumors
Kyler Murray throws a pass during Minnesota Vikings minicamp at the team’s practice facility in Eagan in June 2026. The veteran quarterback worked through summer reps after signing in March for $1.3 million, learning Kevin O’Connell’s offense while preparing for a high-profile competition inside Minnesota’s reshaped quarterback room. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

If Darnold could explode in the Twin Cities, so can Murray — is the idea here.

“Yes, he’s going to win the job over J.J. McCarthy, and I believe he’ll form a beautiful partnership with O’Connell, the coach of a team that is a reliable quarterback away from a return to the playoffs. Expect Murray to become that quarterback and rebuild his reputation along the way,” Shook concluded.

Most Vikings fans, too, agree that Murray will take home the QB1 bacon.

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World Cup: How to buy tickets for Mexico vs. England

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England made it through after a scare against DR Congo, and now they face the tough test of a last 16 tie against World Cup 2026 co-hosts Mexico.

BUY MEXICO VS. ENGLAND TICKETS HERE

We perhaps haven’t seen the very best of England yet at this tournament, and they’ll need to produce something better against a Mexico side who’ve started brilliantly with four wins and four clean sheets.

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 22: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, looks on during an England Training Session on June 22, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

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This could be a tough game, but also potentially a classic that will give us some idea of how serious England’s World Cup credentials are, so it’s sure to be one fans will be desperate to make sure they don’t miss.

How to buy England World Cup tickets

If you want more information on how to buy World Cup tickets, you can always try the link here for FIFA’s official website, but there might be quicker and simpler ways as well.

We can highly recommend our dedicated tickets hub here which offers competitive prices for all the big games, and the security of a 150% money back guarantee if for whatever reason you’re not satisfied.

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BUY MEXICO VS. ENGLAND TICKETS HERE

How to buy Mexico World Cup tickets

Co-hosts Mexico have a ticket hub on their official site here, but we would again recommend having a look around for alternatives.

Be sure to make use of our link here which gives you access to this big game with an easy-to-use and reliable site that has earned hugely positive reviews from fans.

How England could line up vs Mexico

TOPSHOT – England’s forward #09 Harry Kane fights for the ball with Netherlands‘ defender #22 Denzel Dumfries during the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final football match between the Netherlands and England at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund on July 10, 2024. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

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Thomas Tuchel might need to rethink a few things for this game, which will likely be a lot harder than DR Congo.

Anthony Gordon made a big impact when he came on to replace Marcus Rashford, while it’s also surely time to start Bukayo Saka over Noni Madueke, even if the former doesn’t seem to be fully fit.

Reece James‘ fitness will also be key, as he’s been missed at right-back, and he’s given some slightly positive noises about his situation, perhaps suggesting he’ll be able to make it back for this one.

England predicted line up: Pickford; James, O’Reilly, Guehi, Konsa; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Gordon, Kane.

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How Mexico could line up vs England

Mexico predicted line up: Rangel; Vazquez, Montes, Sanchez, Chavez; Alvarez, Mora, Romo; Quinones, Alvarado, Jimenez.

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BUY MEXICO VS. ENGLAND TICKETS HERE

England vs Mexico head-to-head record

England and Mexico have only played each other nine times, with the first meeting coming in 1959 and the most recent one prior to this coming in 2010.

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And if you’re interested in omens, England’s only other World Cup game against Mexico was a 2-0 win in that 1966 campaign.

Overall, England have by far the better record in this fixture, winning six times, drawing once and losing twice. The last four games between these sides have all been wins for England, with 12 goals scored and just one conceded.

Predictions for this one? Let us know in the comments!

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Man United transfer news LIVE: Double Summerville blow, Rashford statement, £85m move

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The latest Manchester United transfer news with updates on Crysencio Summerville, Marcus Rashford, Felix Nmecha, Jarrod Bowen, Ederson, Aurelien Tchouameni and much more

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