MEXICO CITY. England are preparing for the high-altitude meeting at Azteca.
But no, not by taking Viagra.
– That information has not reached me, denies the national team captain Thomas Tuchel.
An explanation is possibly in order why the question was even asked.
Earlier this week, a rumor began to spread that England could use the potency drug Viagra to acclimatize to the Mexico City air.
– No, that is not true, explains Thomas Tuchel at the press conference the day before the meeting.
The city is located 2,240 meters above sea level, which means that performance on the pitch can be affected for those who are not used to it. Which of course Mexico’s national team is.
However, midfielder Jordan Henderson can’t help but joke about it when he is later asked how the team is preparing:
– Viagra helps!
Viagra contains the active substance sildenafil which dilates blood vessels, which in theory can improve oxygen uptake. However, it is not generally recommended as a high altitude performance enhancer.
“Easier headache”
England arrived in Mexico City from the US on Friday night, just over 48 hours before Sunday’s kick-off.
Tuchel admits that he has been affected physically by the change of environment.
– For example, I felt a slight headache during the day and I didn’t sleep as well as previous nights. But nothing that you can’t handle and adapt to, says the national team captain.
“Not here for revenge”
Football teams are advised to either leave ten days before the match or arrive on the same day – which is not an option due to Fifa rules.
– That is the reality. We cannot adapt physically, but we came here a day earlier to experience it in advance and not only during the warm-up, said Tuchel.
– We will use the warm-up before the match to feel the speed of the ball. It’s no wonder they start off so strong. It will be very difficult for us in the first 20-30 minutes. But I think we are in a good position.
The match will be played 40 years after England’s fabled World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, when Maradona scored the winning goal with the “hand of God”.
– Everyone remembers that goal. It’s an iconic goal at the Azteca, a huge disappointment for England, says Thomas Tuchel.
– It hurts, it still stings, but we are not here to take revenge. It’s not even the same opponent!
The round of 16 between Mexico and England kicks off at 02:00, Swedish time.
