Souness and Strachan go full Mexico in cheeky Paddy Power dig at England

Scotland legends Graeme Souness, Charlie Nicholas and Gordon Strachan have thrown their support behind Mexico ahead of England’s World Cup last-16 showdown, fronting a tongue-in-cheek advert for bookmaker Paddy Power that leans heavily into Mexican culture, complete with tacos, piñatas and wrestling masks.

Thomas Tuchel’s side face co-hosts Mexico at the famous Azteca Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 1am UK time on Monday. With Scotland already eliminated from the tournament, the trio of pundits appear to have found a new cause to rally behind for the occasion.

A familiar rivalry given a Mexican twist

The advert, which plays on the long-running banter between Scottish and English football fans, sees the three former players fully embrace a Mexican persona in a bid to will Tuchel’s England side out of the World Cup. It is the latest example of Scotland supporters and pundits taking pleasure in England’s misfortune at major tournaments, a tradition that stretches back decades.

Souness, Nicholas and Strachan are all well known to English audiences through decades of punditry and playing careers in England’s top flight, making them recognisable faces for a campaign designed to needle England supporters in the build-up to a huge knockout tie.

England’s Azteca test

The clash represents a landmark occasion for England, marking a return to the Azteca Stadium after 40 years, a venue steeped in World Cup folklore. Tuchel’s players will be well aware of the ground’s history and the significance of facing the host nation on their own turf in front of a passionate Mexican crowd.

Read more: England return to Azteca Stadium after 40 years for Mexico World Cup last 16 clash

The build-up to the match has been dominated by talk of altitude, atmosphere and off-field distractions, with the Paddy Power campaign adding a lighter note to what promises to be a fiercely contested last-16 tie between the co-hosts and England.