It’s a big game for Mexico too …

While Fabio Capello has his selection dilemmas to iron out during England’s last game on home turf before the World Cup, for Mexico the Wembley test is perhaps even more crucial.

Such is the state of play for countries with squad members in different continents, Mexico manager Javier Aguirre will be able to pick Rafa Marquez, Giovanni Dos Santos and Carlos Vela for the first time since World Cup qualification ended, but it’s not like Mexico have a shortage of games.

Mexico played four games in eight days earlier in the month against weakened Ecuador, Senegal, Angola and Chile sides and were largely unconvincing. The fact three were played in front of huge crowds in the United States only fuelled speculation in Mexico that the football federation arranged them more to line their pockets than for World Cup preparation.

Certainly they posed more questions than answers when it comes to sorting out the starting XI.

Up front is a major concern, not because of the lack of talent but because none of Mexico’s strikers is in their prime. In the four friendlies, Mexico scored only three goals and missed chance after chance.

Much of the goal-getting burden falls on the shoulders of Manchester United’s new signing Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, but he’s young and wholly inexperienced at international level and he has failed to score since his transfer to United. It’s worth remembering that one year ago Hernandez was a virtual unknown, even in Mexico.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco is still the figurehead of the Mexican team, but at 37-years-old he’s got an hour in his tank at the very most and even looks a little overweight, something that really riles him if he’s asked about it.

Giovanni Dos Santos, Guillermo Franco and Carlos Vela are the other strikers known to followers of the English game and certainly Vela and Dos Santos have a point to prove if they get on the field against England.

The Mexican press are eagerly anticipating where Rafa Marquez will play and Aguirre’s choice of picking only five midfielders in his squad opens up the possibility of Barcelona’s Marquez playing the midfield holding role. Mexico have quality alternatives like Hector Moreno in the centre of defence, so Marquez may not be missed.

Another key choice will be who starts in goal. Guillermo Ochoa got the nod for Mexico’s farewell game against Chile and should play despite some high profile errors in the last couple of months. Ochoa needs a good performance for his own confidence above anything else.

If Mexico play well they will provide stern resistance to England but if the domestic and European-based players don’t instantly gel, it could be a long night for Mexico’s players and fans.


THREE TO KEEP YOUR EYES ON:



Andres Guardado

Known as “the little prince,” the 23-year-old Deportivo La Coruña winger is almost certainly moving on this summer and will be hoping to catch the eyes of watching Premier League bosses. Aston Villa and Blackburn are reportedly interested, as well as Steve McClaren’s Wolfsburg and Valencia.
Was Mexico’s best player by some distance in the recent friendlies in the United States. Guardado is quick, inventive, a great passer and can also score. Shouldn’t be out of his depth especially as his agent says he’s looking for Champions League football next year. Price will rise a lot if he continues his recent form Monday and during the World Cup. Easily recognisable due to his shoulder length hair.

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez

Hernandez’ granddad played in the 1954 World Cup and gave a succinct assessment of his grandson’s immediate future: he has to play well coming up to the World Cup so he has some momentum when he arrives at United.
Currently needs a goal for his confidence after firing blanks in his last four appearances. The Mexican press are generally saying he is trying too hard to impress and that if he relaxs his talent will shine through. Wembley test will be a good indication of how the 21-year-old handles the dual pressure of being a Manchester United player and pleasing an expectant nation back home.

Guillermo Ochoa

At 24 it seems goalkeeper Ochoa has been around Mexican football forever. Third choice in Germany 2006, Ochoa is something of a golden boy in Mexico, regularly appearing on TV adverts.
Gifted with natural presence, fine athleticism and Sideshow Bob-esque hair, Ochoa could be another Mexican on his way to Europe with a good World Cup.
The England game is vital for Ochoa, assuming he starts. In the last few months Ochoa has looked far from convincing and with two other very good goalkeepers in Mexico’s squad, the pressure will be on if fails to perform at Wembley.