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How Mexico's Quinones and Jimenez can wreak havoc on England's struggling defence

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Out of all the last 16 matches at this year's World Cup, the standout is surely England's trip to the Azteca (or Mexico City Stadium), to face tournament co-hosts Mexico this evening.

All the cards are stacked against England. First of all, it is a proper away game for the Three Lions, with the stadium set to be packed out with passionate Mexican fans. 

Then there is the much talked about high altitude with England having little to no time to adjust which could have serious consequences to the Premier League style of football manager Thomas Tuchel wants his team to play.


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This will play right into Mexico's hands, who so far have been blowing teams away with their high intensity and punishing attacks. 

The two men at the centre of it are winger Julian Quinones and veteran striker Raul Jimenez, and after seeing England's defensive struggles, they will be ready to wreak havoc.

Quinones can exploit England's vulnerable right flank

Winger Quinones was the man who scored the first goal of this year's World Cup, and he has not looked back. 

Quinones has taken this tournament by the scruff of the neck, scoring three goals and providing one assist. 

But it's not just in front of goal where Quinones has been effective. He has been confident with the ball at his feet, posting a 90% pass accuracy and creating seven chances for his teammates. 

When it comes to where Quinones thrives, it is on the left hand side, his heat map from the four matches he has played in so far shows that he hugs the left touchline and for England, this is a big problem. 

Mexico Quinones heat map FIRST FOUR WC matches_02072026

Following the news of first choice right back Reece James picking up a hamstring injury, manager Tuchel has been forced to play Djed Spence, but it's clear that the Tottenham player is struggling. 

Against DR Congo, Spence looked like he would rather be anywhere else, and Quinones is a level above the attack boasted by the African side.  

England's right flank will be an area to target for Mexico, and with Quinones proving to be a jack of all trades, he will be licking his lips when it comes to facing a defender who is struggling on football's biggest stage. 

Jimenez provides dangerous threat inside the box

Jimenez has been one of the feel-good stories at this World Cup. 

The 35-year-old finally ended his wait for a World Cup goal, scoring Mexico's second against South Africa, bringing a smile to football fans across the world, except those of a South African persuasion. 

The spearhead of Mexico's attack, Jimenez added another goal to his tally, scoring his country's second in the 2-0 against Ecuador in the Round of 32. 

Compared to teammate Quinones, Jimenez is not the creative spark, but he is a dangerous presence in front of goal. 

Per 90 minutes, Jimenez is producing close to two shots on target, and all of those are coming within the 18-yard box, making him a nuisance for opposition defenders. 

V2 Mexico Jimenez shots graphic FIRST FOUR WC matches_02072026

Mexico Jimenez key_02072026

Yes, a striker should be able to create plenty in the box, but with England's defence struggling for harmony, an in-form Jimenez will find gaps and get chances away. 

The tactical systems employed in international football are often less complex compared to the club game, and Mexico have a traditional attacking threat with the skilful winger in Quinones, and number nine in Jimenez. 

So far, this duo have worked in tandem, but can they trouble the biggest test so far in England? There is no reason why they can't.

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