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The England national team has reportedly defined one of its main objectives for facing Mexico in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. According to sports experts and analysts, the European squad will seek to neutralize Gilberto Mora, Erik Lira, and Luis Romo in order to secure a victory on Sunday, July 5, and advance to the quarterfinals of the championship.
The Mexico vs. England duel has generated huge expectations among fans, who are already wondering how England will play against Mexico and what they will do to beat the team managed by Javier Aguirre. For now, there is speculation that the English will attempt to block three players who have been key to El Tri's performance throughout the tournament.
Mora (17 years old), Lira (26 years old), and Romo (31) are in their sights, and are among the players they will seek to disrupt and block so they do not feel comfortable on the field at the Mexico City Stadium.
¿Por qué Inglaterra pondría especial atención en Mora, Lira y Romo?
The English coaching staff knows that a good part of Mexico's footballing balance depends on the work of these three players.
Gilberto Mora has become one of the great revelations of the World Cup thanks to his creativity, ability to break lines, and skill in creating goal-scoring opportunities.
For his part, Erik Lira has stood out for his ball recovery, tactical organization, and pressure in the midfield, while Luis Romo provides experience, leadership, and arrivals from the second line. Controlling that area of the field could be one of England's priorities.
El posible plan de Inglaterra para frenar al Tri
Specialists believe that the English team will try to reduce the spaces in the center of the field to prevent Mexico from developing its game comfortably. An ESPN analysis mentions that 'the Mexican defense has been solid throughout the tournament and this is due to the block they form in the midfield, which means that England will first have to overcome Erik Lira and Luis Romo before creating clear goal-scoring opportunities against goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.'
On the other hand is Gilberto Mora, who in the match against Ecuador set the pace for several Mexican attacks, creating spaces for Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez to put the opponent in danger. 'If England manages to limit his influence, it will neutralize one of Mexico's main attacking routes and make it very difficult for the ball to reach the forwards in dangerous positions,' noted ESPN.
Likewise, England will also work on being patient against Mexico, as Aguirre's team maintains calm with the ball and feels comfortable waiting for the right moment to attack.
¿Cómo puede responder México a Inglaterra?
The Mexican National Team has shown different offensive variations throughout the World Cup. In addition to Gilberto Mora's inspiration, the team has found balance thanks to the collective work of the midfield and the mobility of its attackers.
If England concentrates too much effort on neutralizing Mora, spaces could open up for other players on El Tri, which would force the European side to maintain a balance between defense and attack.
[Publicidad]