England can be vulnerable at the back, says Mexico coach Arteaga
It is one of the quirks of the World Cup that England and Mexico have rarely crossed paths. They have met twice in the under-20 World Cup and only once in the men’s competition, in 1966. And Wednesday’s group F tie will be their first in the under-17 World Cup ever.
England will be keen on proving that Mexico’s reputation at this level --- twice champions and seeded third among 79 teams that have played the under-17 World Cup --- isn’t worth the paper it is written on. Especially after such a flying start. Mexico may have been stunned by Iraq early but regained composure quickly. And coach Mario Arteaga said England’s defence can be vulnerable.
That is one area Chile couldn’t test. “We have observed England and it is true that Chile didn’t attack well but we have seen England play Brazil. It was a match that ended 0-0 and gave us an idea that England’s defence can be vulnerable,” said Arteaga.
The ripples in the media area hadn’t died down on Tuesday when Arteaga said: “And Mexico are a skilful team with good
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attacking players. England will be aware of that…We plan on making some damage.”
Arteaga had thrown the gauntlet all right but Steve Cooper was not around to return the fire because England chose to not interact with the media.
On the evidence of what they showed against Iraq, Jairo Torres, Daniel Lopez and Roberto de la Rosa can ask questions of the England backline.
And that England have a potent attacking arsenal could mean a match where both teams leave space.
“They let you play. You can attack them, they will definitely attack us but that will also mean they will leave space for us,” said Arteaga.
Jadon Sancho was crucial to England’s domination of Chile on Sunday with two goals and an assist. But even if Mexico manage to put the kind of security cordon around Sancho as England have in so far as making him available to the media, it could mean space for George McEachran, Philip Foden and Callum Hudson-Odoi to showcase their skills.