Who will England face in the World Cup Round of 16 after beating DR Congo?

Mexico and England now know they will be facing each other in the Round of 16 at the World Cup.

Mexico made it through first with a convincing victory over Ecuador on Tuesday night at Mexico City Stadium, England then confirmed its place as Javier “Vasco” Aguirre’s next opponent by defeating DR Congo on Wednesday.

England struggled for more than 65 minutes in Atlanta against DR Congo before Harry Kane stepped up to lead the Three Lions into the knockout stage, where they will meet Mexico at Mexico City Stadium.

For Mexico, the match will be its last on home soil. If El Tri advances to the quarterfinals, it will head to the United States for the remainder of the tournament, making this a chance to bid farewell to its home fans with a victory.

England returns to Mexico with unfinished business

The matchup marks England’s return to Mexico for the first time in 40 years since the Three Lions last played in the country at a World Cup. The 1986 tournament remains a painful memory for England.

The Round of 16 clash with Mexico also offers England a chance for redemption. It was at the same stadium where it will now face El Tri that England was eliminated by Diego Maradona’s Argentina in the 1986 quarterfinals. Forty years later, the Three Lions return to the venue where they fell victim to one of the most controversial moments in soccer history, as Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal, followed by his brilliant solo effort, ended England’s World Cup hopes.

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