Hosts Mexico take on England: the starting XIs

The line-ups are out for Mexico against England, one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the World Cup round of 16. Co-hosts Mexico are plotting a path past FIFA's fourth-ranked side and into the quarterfinals, and the closeness of the betting odds signals that nothing will come easily for favourites England.

Thomas Tuchel's England line up in a 4-2-3-1. Captain Harry Kane leads the attack, supported by a trio of Saka, Bellingham and Gordon. Rice and Anderson provide the midfield balance, while a youthful back four of Quansah, Konsa, Guehi and O'Reilly was preferred in defence. A bench featuring Rashford, Eze, Stones and Mainoo gives Tuchel powerful alternatives for every phase of the game. Livramento misses out with a hamstring injury.

Javier Aguirre's Mexico stick to their classic 4-3-3. The most eye-catching name in the side is the tournament's teenage sensation, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who operates in midfield alongside Romo and Lira. Veteran striker Raul Jimenez spearheads the attack, flanked by Quinones and Alvarado. Leaving Edson Alvarez and Santiago Gimenez on the bench counts among Aguirre's surprise calls.

The key duel pits Kane against a Mexican defence marshalled by captain Montes, while at the other end the pace of Saka and Gordon will pose the sternest examination of the host nation's full-backs. The winner takes a quarterfinal place. For a Mexico side carried by raucous support all tournament, it is a historic opportunity; for England, 90 minutes with all the makings of a serious trap are about to begin.

Starting XIs
Mexico (4-3-3): Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Romo, Lira, Mora; Quinones, Jimenez, Alvarado
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Image: Goal