Mexico Team

England Team

England had their first experience of the task that faced them the following summer when they took on Mexico in the Azteca stadium in the first game of their South American tour. The management were anxious to see how the players reacted to the rarefied air of this city. Lonf before the end it was clear that only detailed preparation would help England in 1970.

The first half went well with England creating some good chances. Castrejón saved twice from Geoff Hurst and Francis Lee as the goalmouth incidents developed, and then the goalkeeper made the save of the match when he turned a Hurst header onto the bar before desperately reaching out to prevent the rebound rolling over the line. The header was a result of a splendid move involving Hurst and Alan Ball.

Shortly before that incident, Mexico missed a 'sitter' at the other end. Brian Labone completely missed a pass from Bustos which Estrada took to the byline. When the centre came over it seemed certain that Victorino would score, but he 'blazed' his shot wildly over Gordon West's goal, much to England's relief.

West then made two fine saves from long-range efforts by Pérez and González. Their 25-yard drives flew through the thin air at exceptional speed, something else that England's players would have to get used to. The visitors performed well in the opening half, though, and, at times, made Mexico look very ordinary. With skipper Bobby Moore in his usual immaculate form and Keith Newton, until he was injured, and Terry Cooper giving excellent support from full-back, the England defence comfortably held the Mexican attack. This despite West and Labone not looking 100-per-cent confident.

In the second half, however, the trying conditions began to have an effect on England. Players became drawn and were fighting for breath, especially after bursts of speed or long runs. Bobby Charlton had the most difficult role, being the hub of the midfield. As the game wore on, even he began to make mistakes as the strength drained from his gaunt-looking body.

Mexico missed another fine chance on the hour. This time Borja, who had to go off to have his left ear taped and patched after having been accidentally kicked, left Labone stranded and made for goal completely in the clear. As West came out to narrow the angle and a pack of players 'snapping at his heels', Borja lost his nerve a little, shot too early and watched in dismay as the ball rolled tantalisingly the wrong side of the post.

So, England escaped and, although the playing and physical conditions made things increasingly difficult for them, one player stood 'head and shoulders' above all others. The superb Moore was outstanding in all that he did. Other players to shine were Hurst, with some intelligent running, Lee, with his quick bursts and effervescent style, and the two full-backs. The match was an extremely useful experience for the whole England party and, hopefully, many lessons had been learned. When they returned for a month's acclimatisation in 1970, just prior to the tournament, they would have the chance to get it absolutely right. In the circumstances, the draw here was an honourable result.
  

Goalkeeper Gordon West played impressively as deputy for Gordon Banks, and then astonished Ramsey by asking not to be considered for any more internationals because he suffered so much from homesickness. The England team struggled in the second half as Mexico's high altitude took its toll, and Ramsey noted that he would need to give them several weeks to acclimatise before the 1970 World Cup finals. An unofficial international followed three days later in which an FA XI won 4-0 as Sir Alf gave every player in his squad experience of action in the thin air of Mexico.
  

Source Notes

TheFA.com
Original newspaper reports
Rothman's Yearbooks
Mike Payne's England: The Complete Post-War Record (Breedon Books Publishing Company, Derby, U.K., 1993)
Norman Giller, Football Author
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CG