England vs. Mexico World Cup prediction: Odds, picks, best bet Sunday

All hail Harry Kane!The English captain came in the clutch in the final 15 minutes against DR Congo, scoring twice to propel The Three Lions to a 2-1 victory and into the Round of 16 against co-host Mexico. After falling down early, England’s resilience under pressure was extraordinary.They gradually took control by adapting with tactical adjustments — namely plugging in Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka to open up creativity.Kane was two steps ahead of his defenders to notch the equalizer via Gordon’s cross before he launched a sensational long-range finish engulfed by six defenders to seal it.Mexico swamped Ecuador early for a 2-0 win to earn a knockout win for the first time in 40 years.Of course, the Estadio Azteca atmosphere gave them a boost, scoring twice in nine first-half minutes through Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez before Ecuador could even settle in.

From there, it was all about absorbing Ecuador’s pressure and controlling the tempo.Along with Spain, Mexico is the only team that has gone all four games without conceding a goal. Oddsmakers still give the nod to England on Sunday, favoring them at -140 odds, with Mexico available for +115. Playing in Mexico’s backyard certainly counts for something.Estadio Azteca sits over 2,200 meters above sea level, so players feel the thin air quickly — legs burn earlier, breathing gets heavier and recovery between sprints drops off fast.Add 80,000 loud and hostile fans right on top of the pitch, and visiting teams fold by the second half.In 89 competitive all-time matches played at Estadio Azteca, Mexico has lost twice. That’s intimidating to bet against, but it isn’t England’s first rodeo.The English have recorded five knockout wins since the Mexicans last advanced in 1986.

And with this team specifically, they will serve El Tri some unprecedented challenges.Kane’s movement inside the penalty area alone will stretch Mexico’s defense.They have yet to face a striker of his caliber; Kan...