LEGENDARY former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes there is a simple way England can beat Mexico.
The Three Lions face one of the host nations in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday, but it will kick-off at 1am UK time on Monday morning.
Brad Friedel was talking to Gary Lineker and co. on the Rest is Football on Netflix Credit: THE REST IS FOOTBALL
Mexico have had a stunning tournament thus far and have a 100% record Credit: Getty
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It’s been well documented that the heat in Mexico in conjunction with the altitude – which is 2,240 metres above sea level – is a major advantage to the home side.
On top of that, since 2013 and only twice in 56 years.
But Friedel, who battled the Mexicans several times while playing for the US, insists they are easy to work out and, compared to England, a distinctly average side.
He said on the Rest is Football: “Mexico is so average. I’ve played against them for years, I know what they do.
“Because they play at altitude, they look faster than everybody. They’re an average team. Below average, actually.
“They are so beatable and their fans get on them. If England go there – I don’t care if they play a low block, a high block or anything – just get through the first 15-20 minutes and they will win the game.
“Just don’t concede the first goal. What they try to do is suffocate you so you can’t get your second breath. And then they try to press, they try to press – just look at the games that they’ve played.
“They’ve created five chances in each of their game, but the players are dead after 20 minutes because they are always fighting this uphill battle.
“The altitude is no joke. The heat is no joke. It’s hard.
“But England are so much better than Mexico and it would be a complete shame if they went out because of altitude.”
Mexico have won all four of their games so far without conceding a goal brushing past South Africa, , and to get to this stage.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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