USA legend Brad Friedel has caused a huge stir with comments he’s made about Mexico ahead of their World Cup clash with England on Sunday night. The retired goalkeeper appeared on the latest episode of ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, where he discussed the crunch Round of 16 tie with Joe Cole and Gary Lineker.
The fixture was set up after El Tri became the first nation since Italy in 1990 to win their first four matches of the tournament without conceding a single goal. Their latest victory came via a comfortable 2-0 win over Ecuador, with Julian Quinones and Premier League striker Raul Jimenez on the scoresheet.
Mexican media are now confident they can beat England, pointing to the Three Lions’ sluggish 2-1 comeback win against tournament minnows DR Congo as evidence of vulnerability. The Azteca Stadium atmosphere, heat, and altitude are all expected to play a major role, and there is every reason for belief that they can extend their impressive Mexico City record to 89 matches, having lost only twice.
There’s even fear among the English population that conditions in Mexico make a win against the Latin American country pretty much mission impossible. However, Friedel has taken a completely different view of things, branding Thomas Tuchel’s next opponents ‘average’ despite their impressive record up until now. He said (watch the full segment):
“Mexico are so average! I played against them for a few years, I know what they do. Because they are playing in altitude, they look faster than everybody else. [But] they’re an average team. Below average actually. They’re so beatable.
“If England go there, I don’t care if they play a low block, a high block, 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.”
He continued: “Just look at their games, they’ve created five chances in each of them. But the players are dead after 20 minutes because they are always playing this uphill battle. The altitude is no joke, the heat is no joke, it’s hard. But England are so much better than Mexico. It would be a complete shame if they were knocked out by altitude.”
Friedel’s comments went down well with a lot of Americans, who loved to see his fighting talk. Besides them, however, he has come under scrutiny, with one X user remarking: “What is this man saying. If they are so average, why would you say don’t concede first? Clearly, he hasn’t watched any of their games.”
A second continued: “Have you watched England’s last two performances? You walloper,” as a third labelled him a “Classic American.” Elsewhere, a fourth concluded: “How can you do that? Mexico might win.”
Heading into this summer’s tournament, Mexico were the only co-hosts who could consider football to be their nation’s favourite sport, with Canada preferring ice hockey and USA’s favourites being the NFL, NBA, and MLB. But the Maple Leafs beat South Africa 1-0 in their Round of 32 fixture, while the Stars and Stripes beat Bosnia 2-0 in theirs.
It’s been a hugely impressive showing from the duo, with the latter now looking like they have an easy route to the semi-finals, which would mark their finest footballing achievement since finishing third in the inaugural 1930 edition, nearly a century ago. Of course, Mauricio Pochettino must be given a lot of the flowers, but it’s clear that the sport’s perception is massively changing stateside too.
As any England fan will tell you, the men’s national team never like to do things the easy way. Sometimes that presents itself as a last-gasp winner. But sometimes that comes in the form of a few disciplinary detours.
Whether it stems from geographical proximity or a controversial chapter in a major tournament, England’s tapestry of fierce rivals is an intriguing one to unpick. But who are the biggest sporting enemies on The Three Lions’ list?
This rivalry goes beyond football. The historical ties from the two World Wars of the 20th century have informed this great feud, with their incredible clashes creating some of the most memorable footballing moments in recent times. Who could forget the drama of England’s 1966 World Cup Final win at the expense of Germany? But the Germans inflicted their own heartbreak at the 1990 World Cup and Euro ’96, eliminating England on penalties at the semifinal stage on both occasions.
More recently, England fans still fondly remember the 1-5 thumping in Munich. But they also wince at the thought of Frank Lampard’s ghost goal in 2010.
|
England’s record against Germany |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Played |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
|
35 |
14 |
6 |
15 |
10 Biggest Matches in British Football History [Ranked]
The ten biggest matches in British football history have been named and ranked.
Driven by the Falklands War in 1982, Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal at the 1986 World Cup ensured that this rivalry would last.
It would be reignited at the 1998 tournament, with David Beckham controversially being sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone before England crashed out on penalties. Beckham would have his revenge though. His winning penalty in the 2002 World Cup encounter helped to condemn Albiceleste to a shock group stage exit.
|
England’s record against Argentina |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Played |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
|
14 |
6 |
5 |
2 |
The oldest international fixture in world football, England and Scotland’s rivalry began on November 30th 1872 with a 0-0 draw. Since then, there have been many memorable episodes.
The rivalry was renewed every year by the annual British Home Championship that took place from 1884 to 1984. There was also the incredible spectacle of Scotland victory at Hampden Park in 1937. Just under 150,000 fans packed into the stadium for the match — an all-time European attendance record that still stands today. And who could forget the 1977 Wembley pitch invasion after Scotland’s 2-1 win? The Tartan Army stormed on, famously snapping the crossbars in celebration.
|
England’s record against Scotland |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Played |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
|
116 |
49 |
41 |
26 |
Despite just 18 encounters overall, the England-Ireland rivalry has endured in part thanks to the two nations’ complex social and political relationship.
Ireland made history in 1949 with their 0-2 win at Goodison Park. They became the first non-British team to beat England on home soil. Ireland also won the first major tournament meeting between the two, courtesy of a Ray Houghton winner at Euro ’88. The rivalry is also infamously remembered for the 1995 Lansdowne Road riot that saw a friendly in Dublin abandoned after 27 minutes due to severe rioting by a number of English hooligans.
The rivalry was recently renewed by the debate over dual nationality. Both Declan Rice and Jack Grealish switched eligibility to England, having already represented Ireland. Grealish had played for the U21s six times, whilst Rice made three senior appearances for Ireland. Both players were heavily booed during the 2024 Nations League clash before both ironically scored the game’s only two goals.
|
England’s record against Ireland |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Played |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
|
19 |
8 |
8 |
2 |
Not quite a bitter rivalry, but one forged in destiny. England, for some reason, are inexplicably linked to the south-east European side. And whilst the two nations lack historical hatred, their respectful rivalry is marked by several dramatic modern moments.
Chief among them, England’s 2018 World Cup heartbreak. After Kieran Trippier’s opening goal in the semifinal, Croatia fought back to force extra time. Mario Mandzukic’s 109th minute winner was ecstasy for Croatia, but agony for the Three Lions.
Croatia also shockingly knocked ended England’s Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. With England needing a win to break into the top two in Group E, the excellent Croatian team defeated England 2-3 at Wembley. The enduring image of that night was England manager Steve McLaren shielding himself with an umbrella as European qualification slipped away. He was relieved of his duties the following day.
|
England’s record against Croatia |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Played |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
|
12 |
7 |
2 |
3 |
10 Fiercest Rivalries in International Football [Ranked]
Here are 10 match-ups that are guaranteed to deliver fireworks on the pitch nearly every time…
Pubs across the country are set to stay open until the early hours for England’s Round of 16 match against Mexico. The World Cup knockout kicks-off at 1am on Monday, July 6, which equates to 6pm in Mexico City, and Keir Starmer is set to introduce an emergency law change so that pubs can remain open until 5am.
The UK Prime Minister is set to leave his position on July 9, but has won back some people’s trust following one of his final decisions in Number 10.
More to follow…
There is a lot of excitement in N17 at present with Tottenham splashing the cash for Roberto De Zerbi.
Following back-to-back 17th place finishes, Spurs are spending big as they look to get back to their previous heights towards the top of the Premier League table.
Signing Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers to bolster their squad, last month the club also completed the £52m signing of centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali are now set to follow for £85m and £100m respectively after Tottenham struck agreements with West Ham and Newcastle United for the midfielders.
Much more still needs to be done in improving De Zerbi’s squad, with attacking players required after the club’s struggles in the final third last season.
One position Tottenham need to address is on the left of their attack after failing to replace Son Heung-min following his switch to LAFC last August.
According to The Independent, Bournemouth ace Eli Junior Kroupi tops a three-player shortlist for that position.
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, with the Cherries looking to receive over £80m if they decide to cash in on their highly-rated attacker.
The report states that Rafael Leao has been broached as an option in informal discussions with his club AC Milan, while there is a possibility that they once again move for Manchester City winger Savinho.
You scored
out of 20
In terms of Leao, he would be another statement signing if Tottenham can agree on a deal with Milan for ‘one of the best wingers in Europe’.
Mainly operating from the left but also capable of playing centrally, the Portugal international has contributed regularly for the Rossoneri with 80 goals and 65 assists in 291 games for the Italian giants.
After already agreeing on transfers for Fernandes and Tonali, a move for Leao would be a real signal of intent from Tottenham that they really do mean business in the transfer market after their recent Premier League woes.
Tottenham desperately need to improve in the final third if they are to climb the Premier League table.
Last season, Richarlison finished top goalscorer in all competitions with 12 goals, and it was defensive players Joao Palhinha, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero who were next in line in the charts.
Dominic Solanke could only manage six goals in an injury-hit campaign, with Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani both contributing five and Mathys Tel chipping in with four.
Given the need for goals, Leao could more than play his part after hitting double figures for Milan in each of his last five seasons at the San Siro.
Following the club’s desire to improve their midfield with the additions of Fernandes and Tonali, Tottenham now need to do likewise in attack if they are to make big strides under De Zerbi.
Rayan Cherki Appears to Ignore Didier Deschamps After 3-0 Win vs Sweden
Diego Maradona Slammed New FIFA and USA World Cup Rule in 2018
Gary Neville Names Only Team That Can Stop France From Winning the 2026 World Cup
Lamine Yamal Names 3 Most Impressive 2026 World Cup Players
VAR Expert Casts Clear Verdict on Folarin Balogun Red Card vs Bosnia
‘Real Reason’ Why Van Dijk Didn’t Take Penalty vs Morocco
Serena Williams Slammed For Actions After Losing to Maya Joint
Roy Keane Names the Two Teams That Will Contest the 2026 World Cup Final
