Mixed emotions as England face Mexico

Mexican football fans in England have spoken about their mixed emotions ahead of the two countries facing each other in the World Cup.

Carlos Riestra-Castro, from Lewes in East Sussex, was supporting his home nation, but said the game had "split the family a bit" as his two English-born sons were rooting for the Three Lions.

Rafael Onate, from Guildford in Surrey, said he had a "mix of emotions" as "my heart is completely 50/50, but I'm going to support Mexico."

Mexico are playing England in Mexico City at 01:00 BST on Monday in the round of 16.

Riestra-Castro, who is from Guadalajara, says "anything can happen in the [Estadio] Azteca", but predicts a Mexico win on penalties.

"I feel so honoured and proud when both teams play and win, and I take the defeats as well, both of them are heavy," he added.

"So I see the positive side that whoever wins it's a win-win situation."

He said Mexico were "inspired" and had "nothing to lose".

But added that both sides needed "a moment of magic that can change the life of a nation".

Onate, who is originally from Mexico City, says he is "a little bit nervous, a little bit confused, but the feeling is still there for both countries".

"It's a little bit of a weird feeling, but we need to support Mexico. Sorry!"

Onate, who predicted a 3-2 win for the co-host nation, was planning to watch the game at his restaurant alongside other Mexico fans.

"It's more exciting because you know everyone is against you," he said.

The restaurateur, who has lived in the UK for 27 years, said his half-Mexican half-Ecuadorian English-born daughter was also planning to support Mexico.

"It's a mixture of feelings but the blood is from South America and America, so we must support our guys," he said.

Despite this, he said he would support England "300%" if they were to progress.

Rodrigo De La Barrera, who lived in England for seven years and was coincidentally back in the country for the game, said he was planning to watch the match with family.

He explained that he supported England "in any other game".

The Guadalajara resident said: "At the end of the day it's just a game and we're going to have fun no matter who wins, it's going to be fine.

"I'm just going to enjoy. It's a special occasion to just come together again."

Catalina Gomez, who lives in Eastbourne, is hoping for a 2-0 win for her home nation.

"I will be happy if my country wins but at the same time it's okay if not, I will also be happy if it's England because I live here and now this is my home," she said.

The winner of the match on Monday will face either Brazil or Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

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