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Declan Rice has brushed aside concerns about Mexico City’s thin air after England battled through a turbulent evening at the Azteca Stadium to secure a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals. In front of a raucous crowd, the Three Lions edged past Mexico 3-2, booking an enticing last-eight clash with Norway.

England conquer the Azteca

England recorded what many are calling their most remarkable “away day” result, silencing more than 80,000 fervent supporters at the Estadio Azteca. Despite the intimidating setting and the physical challenge of playing nearly 2,200 metres above sea level, Thomas Tuchel’s squad displayed outstanding resilience to withstand a determined comeback from the hosts. Jude Bellingham’s quick-fire brace within 98 seconds set the tone for a thrilling evening in the Mexican capital.

Although Mexico played much of the second half with a numerical advantage, England’s defensive discipline stood firm until the final whistle. Declan Rice produced a standout performance, covering vast areas of the pitch despite the conditions that many predicted would trouble the visiting side.

Rice dismisses altitude factor

The Arsenal midfielder described the match as the highlight of his England career so far, downplaying pre-game concerns about the effects of Mexico City’s altitude on the team’s stamina. Rice spoke openly about how the squad coped with the demanding environment that had been a major talking point heading into the game.

“I think that’s probably the best England result I’ve experienced, probably the best away day I’ve ever had in an England shirt. It was everything I expected and just an incredible night. I was surprised — the altitude wasn’t as bad as people said. Yesterday in training it was noticeable, but today I didn’t really feel it as much,” Rice told BBC Sport.

Praise for the team effort

Beyond the altitude factor, England faced the daunting task of breaking down a Mexican team that had maintained an extraordinary home record. This marked only Mexico’s third competitive defeat at the Azteca since it opened in 1966, following earlier 2-1 losses to Costa Rica in 2001 and Honduras in 2013 during World Cup qualifying. Rice lauded the collective spirit and determination that carried England through such a challenging encounter.

“We knew they were a good team — I don’t think they’ve lost in 80 games or something. So we knew it was going to be tough, but we believed in what we had in the dressing room, all 26 players, and that it was enough to beat them. In the end, we showed a different side of ourselves that maybe people didn’t think we had,” Rice said.

Quarter-final date with Haaland’s Norway

For England, this victory represented a measure of redemption at the Azteca, a venue forever linked with the infamous ‘Hand of God’ moment 40 years ago. The reward for their grit and composure is a trip to Miami, where they will face Norway in the quarter-finals. The Norwegians earned their place in the last eight after Erling Haaland’s heroics against Brazil, setting up a high-profile European showdown on American soil. With Jarell Quansah suspended and the pressure intensifying, England will need to replicate the defensive discipline and spirit shown in Mexico City to continue their pursuit of a first World Cup title since 1966.