Plenty of column inches have been dedicated to the thin air of Mexico City ahead of England's last-16 World Cup clash on Sunday — but the altitude is only one of several tests awaiting Thomas Tuchel's squad at the Azteca Stadium.

The electric winger who can expose England's weakness

Julian Quinones has been Mexico's standout performer throughout the tournament, and he arrives at this fixture as their top scorer with three goals. The 29-year-old Al Qadsiah winger — managed in the Saudi Pro League by Brendan Rodgers — also contributed an assist in the last-32 win over Ecuador.

Quinones operates predominantly on the left flank at blistering pace, both in and out of possession, and Mexico route the majority of their attacks through him. Given England's well-documented struggles at right-back, his threat demands particular attention.

A teenage sensation and a record-breaking playmaker

Gilberto Mora, 17, became one of the youngest players in World Cup knockout history when he started against Ecuador — only 20 days older than Pelé was in 1958 when he set the record. Mora registered three shots and created two chances, demonstrating he is no shrinking violet on the biggest stage.

The creative engine, however, is Roberto Alvarado. His three assists are the most recorded by a Mexican player at a single World Cup since records began in 1966. He leads Mexico in chances created and in defensive-line-breaking passes, making him the architect of almost everything the co-hosts produce going forward.

Jimenez — the veteran with a point to prove

Waiting to capitalise on Alvarado's service is Raul Jimenez. The 35-year-old made history against South Africa, becoming the oldest player to score on their first World Cup start, and his aerial presence has been a constant menace — he has registered five headed shots at goal in the tournament, a tally only Germany's Kai Havertz surpassed. A move back to Wolverhampton Wanderers from Fulham awaits him after the tournament, but Jimenez is fully focused on a home World Cup he has waited a lifetime for.

A defence that has given almost nothing away

Mexico have conceded just six shots on target across four matches, and they go into Sunday's game chasing history: only Italy, in 1990, have kept a clean sheet in each of their first five World Cup matches. Only Spain can match Mexico for shutouts in this edition of the tournament.

Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has given way to Raul Rangel between the posts, though the 40-year-old legend did make a brief appearance in the final group game to mark his sixth World Cup. Captain Edson Alvarez of West Ham has been immense, shielding the backline from central midfield and filling in at centre-back after Cesar Montes picked up a red card in the opening game against South Africa. The team's shape barely wavered.

Momentum, belief, and fortress Azteca

Mexico's win over Ecuador was their first World Cup knockout victory since 1986 — and it has ignited a belief among players and supporters that this squad can go all the way at their home tournament. They carry no injury concerns and arrive on a 12-match unbeaten run.

Then there is the Azteca itself. Mexico have lost just two of 89 competitive matches at the famous stadium, and the 2,240-metre altitude compounds the challenge for every visiting side. England will need to solve all of these problems — not merely the altitude — if they are to keep their World Cup dream alive.