Declan Rice has dismissed concerns over Mexico City's high altitude after helping England secure a dramatic 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
The Arsenal midfielder described the result as the best he has experienced in an England shirt after Thomas Tuchel's side survived a fierce second-half fightback to reach the quarter-finals.
England played much of the closing stages with 10 men but held firm in front of more than 80,000 supporters. Their reward is a quarter-final against Norway in Miami.
Declan Rice shrugs off altitude after England win
Much of the build-up had focused on whether playing almost 2,200 metres above sea level would affect England’s performance.
Rice admitted he had noticed the conditions during training but said they were far less significant during the match itself.
“I was surprised. There’s been so much talk about the altitude and, to be fair, yesterday in training it was a little bit, but today I didn’t really feel it as much.” — Declan Rice, BBC Sport
The midfielder covered huge ground as England protected their lead during a chaotic knockout tie.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in just 98 seconds before England were forced to show a different side to their game. Mexico increased the pressure after gaining a numerical advantage, but the Three Lions defended with enough discipline to complete a famous victory.
Rice hails England’s ‘best away day’
For Rice, the occasion ranked above anything he had previously experienced at international level.
“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.” — Declan Rice, BBC Sport
England entered the match knowing Mexico’s home record and the Azteca atmosphere would provide a major test. Rice believes the victory showed the squad can win in circumstances where control and fluent football are not always possible.
The result also underlined England’s resilience. Tuchel’s side had to manage the game under sustained pressure and protect their advantage with 10 men.
Key Points
- Declan Rice dismissed concerns over Mexico City's altitude after England's 3-2 World Cup win.
- The Arsenal midfielder called the victory his best result and “best away day” with England.
- Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds during the dramatic last-16 clash.
- England survived heavy Mexico pressure after being reduced to 10 men.
- Thomas Tuchel's side will face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals in Miami.
What’s next?
England now turn their attention to Norway, who eliminated Brazil to reach the last eight.
The quarter-final will bring another major test, with Erling Haaland leading the Norwegian attack and England needing to adjust their defence following Jarell Quansah's suspension.
After surviving the altitude and atmosphere of the Azteca, England head to Miami with growing belief that they can handle the pressure of the World Cup knockout stages.
Can England follow their famous Mexico win by beating Norway and reaching the World Cup semi-finals?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 6 Jul 2026 14:11
Can’t be losing against Norway.
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