Fan exposes 'Fortress Azteca' theory ahead of England's World Cup clash against Mexico

A quick look at Mexico's record at the Estadio Azteca suggests England will struggle to overcome the World Cup co-hosts when they go head-to-head, but is it really the fortress everybody thinks it is?

England will take on Mexico in a round-of-16 clash on Sunday evening after Thomas Tuchel's side managed to come from behind to beat DR Congo.

It will no doubt be their toughest test to date at the World Cup as they come up against a team who have won all four games at this summer's tournament, scoring eight goals and conceding a grand total of zero.

Mexico also have home advantage, with the game being played at the 87,523-capacity Azteca, a stadium that sits over 7,000 feet above sea level.

For context, that is one-and-a-half times higher than the summit of Ben Nevis, which is the UK's highest point, meaning the altitude difference could prove a serious challenge for the Three Lions.

Javier Aguirre's side have certainly flourished at the Azteca, too. In fact, the last time they lost at the stadium was all the way back in September 2013, a 2-1 defeat to Honduras.

They have since gone 26 matches unbeaten at the ground.

And if you go further back, Mexico have only lost two competitive games at the ground in 57 years. It all makes for daunting reading for England, but some aren't exactly convinced by the numbers.

As seen in the graphic below, the nation has faced the likes of Panama (X4), Honduras (X4), Costa Rica (X2), Scotland, Jamaica (X2) and Guatemala since their last defeat in 2013.

That record is impressive, no doubt, but Portugal are the only team currently ranked inside the world's top 10 that they've faced in the last 12 years, and Aguirre's men could only manage a 1-1 draw that day.

One fan commented on the image below, saying: "Mexico’s record at the Azteca is undoubtedly fantastic, but let’s not pretend this list is glamorous. England can win there," and another wrote: "Look at the teams they’ve beaten in their 'unbelievable record' at the Azteca."

A third added: "THIS is the unbeaten record everyone’s so scared of?"

Paul Merson concerned about altitude during Mexico versus England game

Speaking ahead of Sunday's game, former England international Paul Merson has doubts over whether Thomas Tuchel's side can progress.

"They’re in it. My biggest worry is this next game in Mexico in the altitude. It’s such a difficult game," he told Sky Sports.

"Talent-wise, I don’t think Mexico have got a player who could get in the England team, but when you’re playing the way they’re playing with the fans and in the stadium, with that altitude, I think this is a difficult, difficult game.

"I think this is a heads or tails football match and I wouldn’t be shocked if we didn’t win. If it was anywhere else in the world then I would expect us to win it but in Mexico it’s a difficult game," added Merson.