England captain: Harry Kane urged his teammates to prepare for a stern examination when they take on co-hosts Mexico in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The knockout encounter, scheduled for July 6 at 5:30 AM IST, pits an unbeaten England side against a Mexican team that has enjoyed a fruitless campaign on home soil.Mexico led the competition in incredible form, winning all four of their matches to top Group A. They scored eight goals without once, progressing in quick transitions while making the most of Mexico City’s high-altitude conditions.England, meanwhile, remained unbeaten and booked their place in the Round of 16 with a 2-1 win over DR Congo. While the Three Lions also scored eight goals during the tournament, questions remain about fatigue after a difficult season at the club.Speaking ahead of the high-stakes encounter, Kane acknowledged the scale of the challenge and insisted England must be ready to adapt if they are to progress.“It will be a difficult game for many different reasons. First of all, Mexico is a very good team. Then all the other small details will make it more difficult, but from our point of view it is another chance to build a momentum. This is the kind of peak time to do that,” Kane said, as quoted by Goal.com.The England skipper added that knockout football always requires teams to find different ways to win.“So there are no excuses in a game like this. We know it’s difficult. We know we have to try it. Maybe we have to find a different way to win. But that’s what the World Cup is about. That’s why you train like us. That’s why you play football – it’s to have these epic games,” he added. Kane was one of the standout performers of the tournament, scoring five goals to lead England’s attack. The striker is once again on the brink of history, having scored five goals in FIFA World Cup knockout matches. One more strike would see him equal Gary Lineker’s England record of six World Cup knockout goals.