How England used five mini games to beat Mexico

England defeated Mexico in a thrilling match at the Azteca Stadium to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, employing a tactical approach that manager Thomas Tuchel described as five smaller games within the match. Assistant coach Anthony Barry confirmed at half-time that the team was prepared for a difficult opening phase, aiming to reach the break at 0-0. England muted Mexico's early momentum with a more measured defensive approach, using a deliberate press that was less economical than in previous games, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and an extra player cutting off Mexico's options when they built from deep. England midfielder Elliot Anderson held a deeper position to prevent easy outlets for Mexico, and when Mexico established possession higher up the pitch, England dropped into a mid-block, taking an average of 37 seconds to recover the ball in the first half compared to 12.1 seconds in earlier games. The key moment came late in the first half when a 17-year-old Mexican player, Gilberto Mora, failed to close a gap after defaulting to his natural position, allowing England goalkeeper Pickford to quickly find Declan Rice, who set up Bukayo Saka to cross for Jude Bellingham's headed goal.