England star Marc Guehi has been criticised after claiming Mexico are the favourites in their crunch last-16 tie at the World Cup.
The Three Lions face the co-hosts for a place in the quarter-finals at the Azteca Stadium, where Mexico have lost just two of 89 competitive matches and which sits at high altitude.
Mexico are also set to be backed by a raucous crowd inside the 87,000-capacity venue for what is one of the biggest games in their history.
Asked how big a challenge the match was for England, Guehi said: ‘I’d say Mexico are probably favourites.
‘The fact they’re doing so well in the competition and they’re on home soil, playing at the Azteca. They’ll have the fans behind them so we know it’s a big challenge for us.
‘But it is one that we’re up for and ready for.’
Guehi’s response has sparked a backlash from fans on social media, with some questioning his mentality.
‘I’m sorry, but saying that Mexico are the favourites just because of the altitude and home advantage when their best player is a 35-year-old, injury prone Championship striker is pathetic,’ one said on X.
Another added: ‘This feels like a really poor mentality tbh, like we’re almost setting the scene to be beaten by them.
A third said: ‘My estimations of Guehi have PLUMMETED this tournament.’
A fourth said: ‘Underdog gimmick with a £2.5bn squad.’
Comedian Matt Forde sarcastically said: ‘He’s right. Our boys are basically being forced to play this game in SPACE. If we win it will be the single greatest human endurance feat in the history of our species.’
England are favourites with the bookies to qualify, despite concerns over the altitude and fears Mexican fans may look to disrupt preparations by gathering outside their team hotel overnight, while it is also possible Guehi was trying to heap pressure on Mexico ahead of the tie.
Fans on social media criticised Guehi for his interview and questioned his mentality
The Three Lions received a hostile reception at their hotel in Mexico City after the location was leaked and native fans abused them on their arrival.
A ring of steel – including metal barriers and a large police detail with riot shields – has been put in place but that is under threat after Mexicans leaked the location of the hotel.
The build-up to the game also featured a bizarre and chaotic day on Friday after it emerged FIFA were considering bringing forward the kick-off time from 6pm to midday because of concerns over adverse weather – a situation developing as England were in the air after flying to Mexico City from their Kansas City base.
FIFA later performed a dramatic U-turn by confirming the match would remain in its scheduled kick-off time, which is 1am Monday morning in the UK.
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