STACKED DEC WON’T BOTHER US, SAYS RICE

Declan Rice says England are ready to cope with whatever Mexico throw at them in tonight’s World Cup encounter at the electric Estadio Azteca.

From unabated hostility to playing at high altitude, Thomas Tuchel’s side expect to face a variety of obstacles as they seek to keep alive their quest to join Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 heroes in immortality.

England dealt with an additional headache just before flying to Mexico City as FIFA discussed whether to move the last16 clash to an earlier kickoff time due to the risk of weather disruption.

FUN

Tuchel’s team landed on Friday to news that the game would stay at 6.00pm local (1.00am on Monday in the UK) rather than be brought forwards six hours, with more fun and games potentially in store before the tie starts.

“It’s kind of going to be like an away game for us,” England midfielder Rice said. “They’ve played every game in Mexico so far, been at home the whole tournament, so for us it’s just being able to go there and deal with what’s going to be thrown at us.”

Mexico boast an astonishing record at the Azteca, having lost just two of their 89 competitive matches at a ground England play at for the first time since Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ helped Argentina to a 2-1 Quarter-Final win.

Tuchel feels 40 years on that it “is a good moment to make peace with the stadium and turn things around”, but Rice is not overthinking the occasion and associated history.

“For us, we don’t care where we play,” the England midfielder told Lions’ Den. “To us, it’s just a stadium.

“Obviously the Azteca is known as where Maradona done the ‘Hand of God’, like just loads of different iconic moments. For us, we’re just turning up to do a job.

“Obviously it’s going to be unreal, but it’s just another stadium we get to play at.”

Rice’s team-mate Marc Guehi considers Mexico favourites for the match..

“We know they’re a good team and they’ve got the fans on their side, so it’ll be going into the cauldron,” the England defender admitted. “But it’ll be a fun test.

“I’d say they’re kind of favourites. They’re at home and they know the environment a lot better. They haven’t conceded so far and have got a perfect record.

“You come to these competitions to play against top teams, in top atmospheres. It’s a match we’re all looking forward to.”

Mexico have lost just two of their 89 competitive matches at the Azteca. The match takes place 2,200 metres above sea level, meaning the kind of resilience and patience shown against DR Congo will be needed again.

“I think I know my character,” Guehi said.

“It’s just how you’re able to cope in those moments.

“You start picturing in your mind what those moments are going to look like, and visualise them so that when they do come, you’re not surprised.

“It’s about trying to show those elements of your character and having personality in those moments.”

Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers says he is “not sure I’m worth all of that” after being linked with a £130m move away from Aston Villa this summer.

Rogers is preparing with England for tonight’s match with Mexico, but has been inked with a transfer to Premier League champions Arsenal.

Aged 23 and under a long-term contract at

Villa Park, it would take a mammoth transfer fee to get him out of the club.

“I’m not sure I’m worth all of that!” he said when asked about his reported valuation.

“Of course it’s nice to hear that from people. But I don’t let outside noise dictate me.”