England’s phased approach to the match was confirmed by assistant coach Anthony Barry at half-time.
“We prepared the players that up until the first water break it would be a difficult game,” he said.
“We would have to suffer. Mexico always start fast. We knew 0-0 would be a good result [at the break].”
England muted some of Mexico’s momentum early on.
The visitors were notably more measured defensively than in previous games.
Before the match Tuchel, who has instilled high-intensity pressing into his side, called for them to be more deliberate in doing so.
“We are fully committed to our press,” he said. “But it’s not economical. We need to be smart and pick the right moments.”
England did pick their moments, albeit not without flaws, and looked better than they did against DR Congo in the last 32.
When Mexico built from deep, England used Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and an extra player – one more than they used against DR Congo – to cut off their options.
Their improved press stalled Mexico but, through clever dropping-deep movements, a midfielder or winger would show for the ball unmarked and Javier Aguirre’s men were able to get up the pitch.
England midfielder Elliot Anderson held his position deeper in these moments – close to his centre-backs – rather than pressing high, to prevent the easy out-ball for Mexico. This became a key detail later in the game.
