England face co-hosts Mexico in a World Cup last-16 tie on Monday at the Estadio Azteca, with Marc Guehi accepting the hosts carry favourite status. Mexico hold a flawless four-game record at these finals and have not conceded, while England prepare for a demanding knockout match in challenging altitude conditions.

Guehi underlined the challenge that Thomas Tuchel’s squad will encounter in Mexico City, where the stadium sits around 2,200m above sea level. The Manchester City centre-back noted Mexico’s confidence at home and suggested England must handle both the occasion and the intense backing for Javier Aguirre’s team.

Mexico come into this last-16 meeting after a dominant campaign so far, progressing through the group stage without conceding and then defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32. That form, combined with support from home fans, strengthens the belief that Mexico enter this tie as favourites.

Mexico’s history at the Estadio Azteca is also a major factor. Aguirre’s side are unbeaten in 10 World Cup games there, with a record of eight wins and two draws, including six straight victories. Their consistent results on this pitch add another layer of difficulty for visiting opponents such as England.

Across all competitive fixtures, Mexico have played 89 times at the Azteca and suffered only two defeats. Both losses came in World Cup qualifying matches, first against Costa Rica in June 2001 and then versus Honduras in September 2013, underlining how rarely Mexico are beaten on this ground.

Guehi reflected on the setting and atmosphere that await England inside the stadium. The defender spoke to FIFA about the scale of the occasion and Mexico’s strengths, stressing that the environment will be intense yet attractive for players who want to test themselves on the biggest stage.

“We know they’re a good team and they’ve got the fans on their side, so it’ll be going into the cauldron, the Manchester City centre-backtold FIFA. But it’ll be a fun test. I’d say they’re kind of favourites. They’re at home, and they know the environment a lot better. They haven’t conceded so far and have got a perfect record. You come to these competitions to play against top teams, in top atmospheres. It’s a match we’re all looking forward to.”

England also share a long association with the Estadio Azteca. This game marks their first appearance there in 40 years, since the 1986 World Cup quarter-final remembered for Diego Maradona’s handball goal. That history adds extra focus as England now attempt to write a different story at the same venue.

Looking beyond Monday, the winners of this contest advance to a quarter-final in Miami, where either Brazil or Norway await. Guehi insisted that England must first handle the immediate test in Mexico City, with personal resolve and mental preparation seen as key parts of coping with such pressure.

“I think I know my character, Guehi said. It’s just how you’re able to cope in those moments. You start picturing in your mind what those moments are going to look like, and visualise them so that when they do come, you’re not surprised. It’s about trying to show those elements of your character and having personality in those moments.”

England approach the last-16 tie aware of Mexico’s strong record, the altitude, and the historical weight of the Estadio Azteca. Guehi’s comments reflect a squad that respects the setting yet embraces the stage, as both nations compete for a place in Miami and a possible meeting with Brazil or Norway.