Thomas Tuchel has stated that England will face a "huge" disadvantage in the high altitude of Mexico City when they play against Mexico in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday. This concern arises partly from a FIFA rule that restricts acclimatization options for teams.
England's football association has conducted research on the effects of altitude on players, consulting with other sports teams, including the British Olympic team. Their findings suggest that if teams cannot arrive ten days prior to the match, they should ideally arrive just before kick-off. However, due to FIFA regulations, England must train at venue-specific sites close to the stadium the day before the match.
FIFA Regulations Impacting England's Preparation
Tuchel expressed his frustration with FIFA's rules, which prevent England from adapting to the altitude effectively. He explained, "The recommendation is you either go 10 days before – which is too long for us – or last minute, which is not allowed [by FIFA]." Mexico, having played most of their games at the Azteca Stadium, is accustomed to the altitude of approximately 2,240 metres above sea level, giving them a significant advantage over England.
Tuchel further elaborated on the challenges posed by the altitude, stating, "The ball will fly differently [at altitude]. It will fly maybe five yards more. It’s just difficult. We just need the experience."
Player Fitness Concerns Ahead of the Match
In addition to the altitude issues, Tuchel provided an update on key midfielder Declan Rice, who has been managing nerve pain in his hamstring. Rice experienced discomfort during England's opening match against Croatia and was substituted late in the game against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Despite his pain, Rice has assured that he will be fit for the upcoming match against Mexico. Tuchel remarked, "Declan said: ‘I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain.’ He was grateful we took him off but he said after the game it’s not an issue. There is no injury. I think he will recover."
Security and Fan Concerns in Mexico City
Tuchel was also asked about potential disturbances from Mexican fans outside the England team hotel, especially after Ecuador raised concerns over fireworks outside their hotel before their match against Mexico. Tuchel acknowledged the likelihood of such disruptions, stating, "We will expect that but what can we do?" He added that the team would prepare for any noise issues.
- England's match against Mexico is on Sunday.
- Altitude in Mexico City is approximately 2,240 metres.
- FIFA requires training at venue-specific sites before matches.
- Declan Rice is managing nerve pain but intends to play.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
