Mexico player on effects of playing in higher altitude ahead of England game
Ahead of the highly anticipated Mexico-England match in Estadio Azteca, Alvaro Fidalgo tells reporters how difficult it is to play in higher elevation.
Oasis’ “Wonderwall” bellowed through Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas after England’s 4-2 win over Croatia to open the World Cup on June 17, potentially starting a new era for Three Lions at major tournaments.
“And all the roads we have to walk are winding.”
England players gathered on the pitch and sang along with fans to the song that’s having a second wind after Oasis’ reunion tour in 2025. Star forward Harry Kane, who scored two goals in the win, said it was one of his favorite moments of his career with the national team.
“That was one of my favorite ever moments in an England shirt and especially at a major tournament,” Kane said on the Lions’ Den podcast. “I know it’s just the first game and we’re not getting carried away, but just that emotional connection with the fans. We know how much it means to them.”
Manager Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup debut was a success, as England’s 4-2 result and high-flying attack represented one of its best performances at the tournament in years. It’ll always be remembered in history with “Wonderwall,” especially if England continues its run through the knockout stage when it faces Mexico on Sunday, July 5 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Oasis lead singer and co-founder Liam Gallagher has even jumped on the bandwagon. “Cmon England cmon Wonderwall,” he posted July 1 on X. after England sang “Wonderwall” again after its nail-biting 2-1 win over DR Congo.
Because maybe, England can continue its World Cup run and have a few more Wonderwalls along the way. Here’s why the song has emerged as one of the top World Cup moments so far:
Why does England sing ‘Wonderwall’ at World Cup?
FIFA required each team to submit three songs prior to the World Cup, a U.S. spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY. One of those songs for England was “Wonderwall,” along with “Sweet Caroline,” which has historically been England’s song after wins at recent major tournaments.
The United States has played “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver after World Cup wins in 2026, but also submitted “Sweet Caroline,” like England. FIFA executive Amy Hopfinger ultimately decided on “Take Me Home, Country Roads” for the United States. Perhaps England landed on “Wonderwall” and “Hey, Jude” by the Beatles, to avoid duplicating with another side.
“Hey, Jude” also makes sense for England because of star midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Oasis was also founded in Manchester, England, of course. The group are fans of Premier League side Manchester City, even bringing out former manager Pep Guardiola at the band’s reunion tour in 2025.
