‘We might have to grind it out’: Harry Kane sends strong message ahead of England-Mexico clash | Football news

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane (Image: ANI)

English captain Harry Kane has urged his team-mates to be ready for a stern test when they take on co-hosts Mexico in a huge 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The knockout encounter, scheduled for July 6 at 5:30 am IST, pits unbeaten England against a Mexican side that has enjoyed a flawless campaign on home soil.Mexico enter the competition in outstanding form, winning all four of their games to top Group A. They scored eight goals and conceded none, thriving in quick transitions while taking full advantage of the high-altitude conditions in Mexico City.Meanwhile, England remained unbeaten and secured their place in the round of 16 with a 2-1 win over DR Congo. Although the Three Lions also scored eight goals during the tournament, the question of fatigue remains after a demanding club season.Speaking ahead of the high-stakes encounter, Kane acknowledged the scale of the challenge and insisted England must be prepared to adapt if they are to progress.“It’s going to be a very tough game for a lot of different reasons. First of all, Mexico is a really good team. Then all these other little details will make it even tougher, but from our point of view it’s another opportunity to build some momentum. It’s kind of the highlight of it,” Kane said, as reported by Goal.com.The England captain added that knockout football often requires teams to find different ways to win.“So there’s no excuses in a game like this. We know it’s going to be tough. We know we might have to work hard. We might have to find a different way to win. But that’s what the World Cup is all about. Everyone looks forward to the opportunity, the stadium, the atmosphere and ultimately giving of themselves in those games. That’s why you train like we do. “That’s why you play football – you play these epic games,” he added. Kane was one of the best performers of the tournament, scoring five goals to lead England’s attack. The forward is also on the brink of history, scoring five goals in FIFA World Cup knockout games. Another strike would equal Gary Lineker’s England record of six World Cup knockout goals.