England are aiming to build on a famous win over Mexico in the World Cup quarter-final against Norway tonight.
Alan Shearer rates the Azteca as the best atmosphere he has experienced in football.
And in a bold pre-match prediction, he has tipped England to end Norway’s World Cup hopes in Miami tonight. The Three Lions raked in the plaudits following their spirited 3-2 win over Mexico last weekend.
England overcame high altitude, a hostile home crowd, an hour-long delay and a red card to dig in - booking their spot against Norway this evening. Reflecting on the experience, Newcastle United legend Shearer - who co-commentated on the game - had big praise for the Azteca support.
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
‘Best atmosphere’ - Alan Shearer
“The Azteca, where England beat Germany in the World Cup round of 32, was the best stadium I've ever been to,” he told Betfair. “It was the best atmosphere I've ever been involved in. And it was probably the best away performance of an England team in my time. The occasion had everything.
“We'd heard about the altitude and Mexico's record at the Azteca. Then we conceded after going 2-0 up, then we had a man sent off, then we had a penalty given against us. To come up against all of those things and then get over that hurdle was exceptional.”
Alan Shearer backs England
Shearer also tipped England to get over the line tonight despite Norway and Erling Haaland dumping Brazil out in the last round. He added: “The performance the other night was what everyone's been waiting for. It's given everyone belief that we can go forward and that we've got a team that can challenge.
“And with Tuchel's know-how and his knowledge it feels that we can actually do something special. I'm not expecting England to go out. I've got real big confidence that England can beat Norway and get through to the semi-final.
“If you said before the tournament we're going to have a World Cup quarter-final against Norway you would say, "Absolutely, thank you very much, give us it, let's get on with it let's hit it head on." I don't see any reason for us not to get to a semi-final.
“It's not going to be easy, it'll be tough, and there'll be times where we'll have to suffer because they're a good team. But I go back to my point, if someone said before the tournament, you're going to be playing Norway in the quarter-final of the World Cup, you'd have snapped their hands off for that. I'm going for a 2-1 win against Norway and I'm going for Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane to get our goals.”
Continue Reading