Aguirre: Our strength is team spirit, the players have left their egos aside

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has stated that his team's greatest strength ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 clash against England tonight "is not momentum, home advantage, or individual talent, but a united dressing room."

As he prepares Mexico for one of their biggest tests in the tournament against Thomas Tuchel's side, Aguirre said his team's performance has been shaped by players willing to put the collective first. "We selected footballers who didn't prioritize their individual talent, but instead put it at the service of the team; players who left their egos aside and were humble," Aguirre told reporters.

The Mexico coach stated that this mentality will be crucial against an England team led by striker Harry Kane, whom he described as strong and technically gifted. "They are a very strong team physically, but they also play good football," Aguirre emphasized, adding that the England captain will be marked collectively rather than being left solely to the central defenders.

"Harry Kane is a world-class figure. The goals he has scored for Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and his national team are those of a top player. We will try to make sure he doesn't feel comfortable on the pitch when he receives the ball, that there's always someone on him so he can't build up play," the manager explained.

In attack, the team will rely on the experience of striker Raúl Jiménez, who has spent many years in the Premier League with Wolverhampton and Fulham and knows many of the players Mexico will face. "Raúl is part of the group, he helps the team, he acts as part of the team. He doesn't have a star attitude," his coach assured.

Jiménez himself told reporters that the match against England at the Azteca will be special, but added that he hasn't exchanged messages with his Premier League colleagues before the game. "I haven't texted them because I don't know them that well. I've swapped shirts with a few, but that's it. This is a match where we have to stay focused from start to finish," said the 35-year-old striker, echoing Aguirre's sentiment that the team's unity has been evident throughout the tournament. "I think this dedication has been obvious in every match. Well, I'm really happy to be a part of this," he added.