The stage is set for a titanic clash as England face off against Mexico at the imposing Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The unforgiving altitude – over 7,000 feet (2,200m) above sea level – poses a massive challenge to Thomas Tuchel's squad, who have primarily prepared for the sweltering heat of the US rather than the thin air that will test their endurance.
The Mexicans, on home soil and buoyed by an electric atmosphere, are expected to be a force to be reckoned with. Their record at the Azteca is nothing short of astonishing – just two defeats in 89 competitive matches – and they'll be eager to inflict another damaging blow on their opponents.
History won't provide much comfort for England fans. The quarter-final exits against West Germany in 1970 and Argentina in 1986 still linger as painful memories. And it's not just the result that's etched in their minds – the struggles with altitude have been a recurring theme, particularly during the ill-fated 1986 campaign.
Glenn Hoddle, one of the England stars from '86, has spoken candidly about the debilitating effects of altitude sickness. He recalled feeling like he was drowning after simple tasks and how the team had to adapt their style, trading in their trademark pressing game for a more cautious approach against Poland. It's a lesson that could prove crucial under Tuchel.
With England struggling for form – Declan Rice still finding his match fitness and concerns on the right flank – there's a growing sense that a more conservative approach might be the only way to tame Mexico. Tuchel may need to ditch his aspirations of playing like a Premier League team in favour of something more akin to 'Total Arsenalball' or José Mourinho's Chelsea at Anfield in 2014 – teams built on solid foundations, marshalling their resources and grinding out results.