England's memorable meetings with Mexico

The Three Lions will come face to face with Mexico once again on Monday 6 July in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Ahead of that meeting, let's take a look at past encounters from years gone by.

England 8-0 Mexico, friendly, 10 May 1961

Having lost 2-1 in the first ever meeting between the two nations two years earlier, England cruised to one of their biggest wins of all time in an international at Wembley Stadium in 1961. Bobby Charlton grabbed himself a hat-trick, with Bryan Douglas (two), Gerry Hitchens, Bobby Robson and Ron Flowers also on target.

England 2-0 Mexico, World Cup group stage, 16 July 1966

After drawing 0-0 in their tournament opener, England kickstarted the 1966 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Mexico at Wembley Stadium. Goals either side of half-time from Bobby Charlton and Roger Hunt sealed victory as the Three Lions continued their run to glory on home soil.

Mexico 1-0 England, Ciudad de México Cup, 9 June 1985

England travelled to Mexico in the summer 1985 for a three-match tour against Mexico, West Germany and Italy. Played at the Azteca Stadium, the game against El Tri ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat, with Luis Flores scoring the only goal of the game against a Three Lions side containing the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Bryan Robson and John Barnes.

England 2-0 Mexico, friendly, 29 March 1997

England’s friendly win over Mexico in March 1997 was notable for a couple of firsts, with goalkeeper David James making his senior international debut in goal. Robbie Fowler also grabbed his first England goal in the 2-0 victory, with Teddy Sheringham having given the Three Lions the lead from the penalty spot in the first half.

England 4-0 Mexico, friendly, 25 May 2001

Played at Derby County’s Pride Park, this friendly with Mexico saw England come out of the blocks fast, scoring in just the third minute through Paul Scholes. Robbie Fowler and David Beckham were both on target inside the opening half an hour, with Teddy Sheringham adding the Three Lions’ fourth in the second half. Four players made their senior international debuts on the night, with Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Alan Smith and Danny Mills all winning their first cap.

England 3-1 Mexico, friendly, 24 May 2010

England last faced Mexico in a warm-up game before the 2010 World Cup, with Peter Crouch on the scoresheet in a 3-1 victory at Wembley Stadium. Ledley King gave Fabio Capello’s men the lead before Crouch bundled home a second goal on 35 minutes. The visitors pulled one back through Guillermo Franco, with Glen Johnson wrapping things up for the Three Lions just after the break.