A World Cup nation has lodged an official FIFA complaint against Mexico as they begin preparations for a huge Round of 16 clash with England on Sunday night. El Tri appeared to have progressed to the next knockout stage with little complication after a 2-0 win over Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium.
The same cannot be said about England, who trudged through to a late 2-1 comeback win against tournament debutants DR Congo in Atlanta. Harry Kane scored twice in the final 20 minutes to overturn a shock opener inside seven minutes, rescuing what proved to be a banana skin for Thomas Tuchel’s side. Their first major tournament under the German coach very nearly came to an abrupt end, and their next encounter is shaping up to be his biggest test yet.
Mexican media have already spoken up about their chances ahead of the weekend showdown, with atmosphere, altitude, and El Tri’s historic performances this summer giving them every reason to be confident. However, off-field matters have not been as rosy, with Mexico now facing a second complaint from Ecuador following the Round of 32 after already being criticised for a shocking chant.
As per the Mirror, the Ecuadorian Football Federation has lodged a complaint to FIFA after an incident in Mexico City, which saw the team’s hotel ambushed by hundreds of Mexico fans letting off fireworks into the early hours of the morning before their knockout match.
Stating the football governing body had not upheld the principles of fair play and equality a World Cup should be all about, the baptism of fire that the South American nation had faced upon their arrival in the capital city was similar to the scenes seen during Champions League matches in Europe, but on a whole other scale. Watch below:
Local media reported that around 1,000 Mexico supporters staged a noisy ‘serenade’ – a musical performance given to honour or express love – in Mexico City on Monday. El Tri have now won all four matches this summer without conceding a single goal – they are the first nation to achieve that feat since Italy in 1990.
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The ambush promises to provide a logistical nightmare for England and the FA. England would prefer a late arrival in Mexico City – to mitigate the effects of it being at altitude. England are also keen to keep the identification of the team hotel under wraps.
But due to FIFA tournament rules, teams have to be in the city hosting the game within 24 hours of kick-off, which is 8pm local time on Sunday. Local police will be in place at the team base – but attention from Mexican fans will be inevitable, adding to the problems they already face going into the fixture.
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.
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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.
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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.
Djed Spence has been a frequent starter in England’s World Cup campaign, especially since being the only available right back following a Reece James injury.
The Spurs fullback has stood out on the pitch, not just for his performances, but also for the protective face mask that he’s been wearing throughout the tournament. It’s a look that naturally sparks curiosity.
Here is the reason why Spence has been wearing the protective mask.
Spence’s face mask is the result of a minor facial fracture sustained in the weeks leading up to the tournament. The 25-year-old was involved in an aerial duel with Chelsea striker Liam Delap, whose elbow clashed with Spence, although he was able to continue through until the end of that particular game.
Spence took to social media following the game to complain about the challenge with Delap, perhaps unhappy with the Chelsea striker’s aggressive antics resulting in Spence breaking his jaw.
Just five days later, Spence took to the field for Tottenham wearing the face mask, as Spurs secured their Premier League safety on the final day of the season with a win against Everton.
A broken jaw can normally take three months to heal, and with Spence wanting to feature in the World Cup, he opted to wear the custom-fitted jaw guard throughout the competition, as well as in training sessions.
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Spence told the BBC: “It is a little bit uncomfortable, but it is what it is. I have a broken jaw, so I have to wear it throughout the tournament. It is something I will have to get used to. It will be three months until it is fully healed, so it is a long time. It was painful, but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw.”
“It was a crazy challenge, but it is in the past now. I’ve just got to focus on this tournament now.”
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The mask’s primary function is simple: to offer protection. It shields the affected area from direct blows, accidental elbows, and the kind of incidental contact that can occur during high-tempo matches.
It also offers Spence psychological support, as he might have been hesitant to go into duels without a protective mask, but the guard now reassures him to commit fully. The moulded fit also keeps the affected area stable, reducing the risk of sudden pressure or movement that could worsen the fracture.
It also, of course, means Spence can still play, as without the mask he might have been forced to miss the tournament entirely.
Whilst the mask can feel unfamiliar at first, it shouldn’t affect Spence’s game, and he will be able to adapt quickly. Spence’s performances so far haven’t shown that this new mask is affecting him, putting in consistent performances in the place of injured Reece James, and it leaves Thomas Tuchel with a selection headache for when he has a fully fit right-hand side operating again.
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