England’s Grit at the Estadio Azteca
Following England's thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup Round of 16, many are once again invoking the iconic "It's coming home" slogan. While the Three Lions still have a long road ahead to secure their first world title since 1966, there is a growing sense that this specific squad possesses a unique resilience unseen in recent decades.
In previous tournaments, a two-goal lead slipping away at the daunting Estadio Azteca would have signaled an inevitable collapse for England. After Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute and Raul Jiménez narrowed the deficit via a penalty, many expected history to repeat itself. However, this team remained composed. Jude Bellingham continued to dominate the pitch, while Jordan Pickford provided steady leadership in goal, and Ezri Konsa adapted seamlessly to a defensive role.
This composure is a testament to the influence of manager Thomas Tuchel. Since taking the helm, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach has prioritized defensive consistency. As Jude Bellingham noted after the match:
«This is probably one of the biggest England wins in a while. Probably the biggest one I can remember as a fan or player. The best night of my England career probably.»
By shifting to a more defensive setup following the second-half hydration break, England managed to navigate the chaotic final moments, turning a historically treacherous environment into a platform for success.
Brazil’s Exit and the Search for Midfield Identity
While England celebrates, Brazil faces a period of deep introspection after a shock 2-1 defeat to Norway, which saw them eliminated before the quarterfinals for the first time since 1990. Carlo Ancelotti, tasked with leading the Seleção, struggled to balance a squad that, while rich in attacking flair, lacked fundamental structure.
The Midfield Dilemma
The core issue for Brazil throughout the tournament was the reliance on 33-year-old Casemiro. While experienced, he proved unable to anchor the midfield alone. With attacking talents like Gabriel Martinelli, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Guimarães dominating the roster, the team lacked the defensive engine necessary to support the back line. This imbalance allowed Norway to control the center of the pitch, effectively neutralizing Brazil's star-studded attack.
Looking toward the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup, the primary directive for Brazil is clear: they must rebuild their midfield. Although the country’s pipeline for forwards and wingers remains elite, their tactical ceiling will remain restricted until they can find a reliable, physical presence to protect the defense and distribute the ball effectively.