Thomas Tuchel previews England's daunting Azteca trip in bid to make World Cup history at iconic ground | OneFootball

Mexico rarely lose at famed home ground, where Diego Maradona scored the ‘Hand of God’ against the Three Lions

Thomas Tuchel has opened up on his memories of watching Diego Maradona’s Hand of God at Mexico ’86 as a 12-year-old boy, as England prepare to return to the “iconic” Estadio Azteca.

England face Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday as they bid to reach the quarter-finals by knocking out the World Cup co-hosts, who boast a phenomenal record at the stadium.

It will be England's first match at the historic stadium since Argentina legend Maradona scored one goal with his fist and then a second goal through sheer genius to knock Sir Bobby Robson’s side out of the 1986 World Cup at the quarter-final stage.

“I remember, of course, the World Cup of Maradona,” Tuchel said. “Two goals against England. One that was dribbling and one that would never stand these days.

Mexico have already produced memorable performances at the Azteca this summer

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“And I remember something was hanging in the centre of the Azteca and it never moved. It was like a ball hanging and the sun was so steep, the shadow was always there in the middle.”

Tuchel was remembering a large structure hanging from the stadium roof which projected a shadow onto the pitch in a shape resembling a spider.

“I was [12] years old and [West] Germany played them in the final.”

Tuchel insisted it is not just England fans who remember Maradona’s infamous Hand of God.

“Not only as English people,” he said. “Even me. I didn’t have a connection to it but it means something.

“I just love football and the old tournaments. These pictures from Mexico [‘86’] are in St George’s Park where we stay. These big framed pictures from Gary Lineker scoring in Guadalajara and, of course, of the coaches and Peter Shilton.

“Big pieces of history. This is a big moment to make peace with the stadium and turn things around.

“It is an iconic stadium. I remember the coffee table book that came from it and the pictures with all these flags.

“I am super excited to have this match. It is an iconic match to play against Mexico in Mexico. It will be against the whole country, the energy of the whole stadium in their country.”

Some Mexico fans set off fireworks outside the Ecuador team hotel the night before their round of 32 encounter to try to keep the Ecuador players awake. Mexico won the game 2-1.

“We will expect that,” Tuchel said, referring to noise from Mexico supporters. “What can we do? Maybe we will bring ear plugs. I expect everything.”