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The night England silenced the Azteca

PHIL MARTIN was inside the Azteca as England faced one of the fiercest atmospheres in world football. From pre-match uncertainty to late VAR drama and Thomas Tuchel's tactical brilliance, this is the story of an unforgettable World Cup night that those in attendance will never forget.

08.07.26, 21:20 Updated 08.07.26, 21:20 6 Minute Read

Phil Martin

Phil Martin

As we fly into Miami for a World Cup quarter-final with Norway, Mexico City has proved a wonderful leg of this unfolding World Cup odyssey. Sitting sprawling beneath the mountains, it is a city fuelled by an obsession with football that feels unmatched anywhere on the planet.

Yet as we flew in last Friday evening, the story was not England against Mexico or how Thomas Tuchel would set up his side in one of world football’s most intimidating arenas. It was about when the game would kick off.

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Phil Martin

Phil Martin Author, journalist and veteran of eight major tournaments, and England top capper, with a background in sports writing, editing and publishing.

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