Alan Shearer believes England will relish rather than fear the challenge awaiting them at the iconic Azteca Stadium — and he expects Thomas Tuchel's side to come away with a victory and a place in the quarter-finals.

Much has been made of the conditions England must overcome: the altitude, a hostile crowd expected to be around 80 percent Mexico supporters, and a fortress that co-hosts Mexico have lost in only two of 89 competitive matches since 1966. Shearer, however, is unmoved.

"All the talk stops when they run out anyway," the former England captain said. "If they play the game rather than the occasion, I think they will win."

Shearer has followed England throughout the tournament in the United States, watching them enjoy majority support at all four group-stage matches, including around 75 percent backing against DR Congo in Atlanta. Mexico City will feel starkly different — and that, he argues, is precisely what makes it such a compelling fixture.

Shearer's memories of the Azteca

For Shearer, the stadium carries personal significance. He watched the 1986 World Cup on television as a teenager and has wanted to visit the Azteca ever since. This will be England's first return since that famous — and painful — quarter-final defeat to Argentina nearly four decades ago.

"It's going to be an amazing spectacle as well as a unique test," he said. "As a player, these are the moments you train your whole life for."

Disruption and distractions

Shearer also addressed the off-field noise surrounding the match, including the confusion over the kick-off time and reports that Ecuador were kept awake by car horns and fireworks ahead of their last-32 tie. He would not be surprised if England experienced similar disruptions the night before their game.

"It's annoying but you have to accept it and get on with it," he said. "I don't think it will faze the England players at all."

Tuchel's selection dilemmas

Turning to team selection, Shearer identified the right-back position as a key decision for Tuchel, given the threat posed by Mexico forward Julian Quinones — who has scored three goals at this World Cup. Playing Djed Spence could offer more defensive solidity but might reduce England's attacking output wide right.

On the left wing, Shearer felt Anthony Gordon did enough as a substitute against DR Congo to merit a start, while the right-wing spot remained a tougher call between Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka.

One area he was certain about was central midfield, where he would not move Declan Rice — who finished the DR Congo game at right-back — from his natural position alongside Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham. "Along with Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham, he gives us such a nice balance in the middle," Shearer said.

He also urged England to make a faster start than they managed against DR Congo, warning that conceding first at the Azteca could prove very costly.

France still Shearer's favourites

Looking beyond England's last-16 tie, Shearer praised Cape Verde's remarkable run at the tournament — holding Spain to a goalless draw before pushing Argentina hard — before reaffirming his pre-tournament pick of France as the overall favourites.

"Nothing has changed my mind," he said. "They are still the team to beat."

Shearer also retained Kylian Mbappe as his Golden Boot favourite, though he expressed hope that Harry Kane would push him all the way — starting with a goal or two against Mexico.