Published On 5/7/2026
Caffeine, beetroot juice, and the expertise of decisive duo Harry Kane and Judd Billingham; An exceptional combination that seems incoherent under normal circumstances, but it may be the most important weapon for the England team if it wants to overthrow its Mexican counterpart, and overcome the most dangerous physiological obstacle of playing at high altitude in the capital, Mexico City, to reserve a seat in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
England coach Thomas Tuchel described playing on the historic Azteca Stadium – which rises about 2,200 meters above sea level – as a “major obstacle,” considering that overcoming coach Javier Aguirre’s squad in these circumstances may seem “impossible.”
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A race against time and terrifying numbers for “Azteca”
The real crisis for England lies in the time factor; The mission arrived in Mexico City on Friday, that is, only 49 hours before the scheduled starting whistle on Sunday, which deprives Tuchel’s players of the period of time necessary for physiological adaptation.
The Mexican national team has a terrible record at this stadium, which historically witnessed the elimination of England from the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 1986 at the hands of Argentina, led by Diego Maradona.
Since 1966, Mexico has suffered only two defeats in the 89 official matches it played against the Azteca, and they were in the World Cup qualifiers against the United States and Honduras in September 2013.
To find out how big the challenge is and how to minimize its damage, ESPN met with expert Steve Magness, author of “Winning the Inside Game” and a specialist in the kinesiology and sports physiology of high performance.
How is the body affected at 7,000 feet?
Magness points out that the established scientific fact is that regardless of fitness levels or training intensity, climbing to an altitude of 7,000 feet (about 2,200 meters) produces an immediate reaction in the body. The respiratory rate and heart rate will automatically rise, and cardiac output will increase to compensate for the decrease in oxygen saturation in the blood.
Normally, everyone’s oxygen saturation rate is about 98%, but as soon as the players get off the plane – even without making any effort – this percentage drops to 91% or 92%. With fast running during the match, the percentage will decrease further.
These symptoms are annoying and unavoidable, and the only solution is to accept them mentally and try to bridge the physical gap, just as happens with international marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge in the final meters. Where the battle becomes primarily mental to overcome difficulties.
What will be different for England players?
Magness sees football as a complex game; It requires high endurance combined with extreme speeds. Altitude causes a 10% decrease in maximum oxygen consumption, which translates into a direct decline in physical performance of between 3% and 4%.
It’s like asking a professional runner who runs the mile in 3 minutes and 43 seconds (a world record) to compete at that altitude. The inevitable result is that he will run 7 to 8 seconds slower, turning him from a world champion into an average runner.
Furthermore, the physiological response varies from player to player based on genetic and individual characteristics; If you compare the blood response of a random American player and another of Kenyan origin at the same altitude, you will find a big difference. Consequently, England’s 26-man squad will show 26 varying physiological responses.
Alternative solutions: beetroot juice and caffeine as decisive tools
Magness believes that alongside carbohydrates, sodium bicarbonate and improving sleep quality, beetroot juice stands out as a crucial ingredient because it directly addresses a physiological problem; In the first two days at altitude, blood volume decreases and becomes thicker and more viscous.
Here comes the role of beetroot juice, which contains nitrates that dilate blood vessels, allowing densely clotted blood to flow more freely to deliver oxygen to the muscles. If I were a medical officer for England, this option would be my priority.
How can we use pauses to drink water tactically?
Magness believes that if the coaching staff is smart, they should use these periods to give the players deliberate doses of caffeine and sugar.
In the second half, specifically between the 60th and 80th minutes, the brain begins sending sharp warning signals under the influence of lack of oxygen, saying: “You are tired, slow down.” Caffeine here not only acts as a physical stimulant, but also tricks the mind and reduces self-perception of effort, making playing seem relatively easier and giving players the energy to continue.
Is the mission impossible?
Mexico has one of the biggest home-field advantages in sports because of the capital’s geography, Magness explains.
He says, “They are in their natural environment, while the opponent is suffering. The closest analogy to this is to take the British middle-distance runner Josh Kerr, and say to him: Your next Olympics will be held in the Rift Valley in Kenya. Kerr will certainly remain a fierce competitor because he is a world-class athlete, but he will start the race with a clear advantage over the Kenyan competitors who are accustomed to the altitude.”
Previous experience has proven that altitude eliminates the level of opportunity and gives Mexico a clear physiological advantage, but with rigorous scientific and mental preparation, England’s victory remains possible, not impossible.
