Rogers insists England are ready for Mexico and can beat ‘pretty much anyone’ | OneFootball

Morgan Rogers has insisted that England are fully prepared for the challenges of facing Mexico in the World Cup last 16.

The Three Lions will travel to the famous Azteca Stadium in Mexico City for the fixture. Much has been made of the difficulties that Thomas Tuchel’s side will face with the altitude, atmosphere and local fans.

“Yeah, probably it is,” Rogers answered on the last 16 tie being the biggest game of his career. “I’m expecting an unbelievable atmosphere, I’m expecting an occasion and one to remember for sure.

“I think the build-up and everything around it, the different obstacles to go and face. I think just adds to that kind of adrenaline, that kind of excitement that we have as a team.

“The prospect of getting to a quarter-final of a World Cup and what that means to us as players as well. With that extra bit on top, I think it’s a great occasion and one that we should be excited and should be looking forward to.

“Of course, we know the difficulties, how well they’re playing, the atmosphere and all of that, but we’ve just got to focus on ourselves.

“We know that if we’re at our best, we can beat pretty much anyone. So that’s the mindset and the message that we’ve got from everyone. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to it.”

Prior to their Round of 32 match against Ecuador, Mexico fans spent the entire night outside the opposition’s hotel. They played loud music, set off fireworks and chanted to disrupt their opponents sleep. It prompted an official complaint from Ecuador after their elimination.

“I’m not concerned about it at the moment,” Rogers said on the anticipated antics from fans. “But I won’t be happy if it wakes me up, I’ll be honest.

“It’s just another obstacle to overcome, another thing to kind of get over, another hurdle. But, yeah, we’re ready. We’ve heard about it and we’ll be ready, best prepared as we can to be ready and get enough sleep and recovery for the game.

“No, but I might need to invest in some,” the 23-year-old answered on whether he owned earplugs.

A further spanner could also be thrown in the works of England’s preparations. This comes as there could potentially be a late change to the kick-off time due to a forecasted storm. However, Rogers does not see it as a problem.

He insisted: “I wouldn’t say an issue. I don’t think it really affects us. I think we’ll be ready regardless of the time.

“The earlier, probably the better, because you want to play it and get it. Enough thinking about what’s going to happen and you just want to play the game. It’s always the way, the build-up and all that. You always want to just play the game.

“So probably if it’s early, it’ll probably help us just getting that adrenaline out there and getting playing and getting going. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to it, whatever the time is, and we’ll be ready.”