England manager Thomas Tuchel has voiced concerns regarding the significant disadvantage his team will face due to the high altitude of Mexico City when they play Mexico in the World Cup last 16. The match is scheduled for Sunday, with England arriving in the capital on Friday.
The Football Association conducted research into the effects of altitude on players, consulting with teams from other sports, including the British Olympic team. Findings suggested that for optimal acclimatisation, teams should either arrive 10 days prior to the game or as close to kick-off as possible. However, a Fifa rule mandates that from the last 16 onwards, teams must train at designated sites near the stadiums the day before matches. This regulation prevents England from implementing their preferred last-minute arrival strategy.
Tuchel noted that Mexico has a considerable advantage, having played three of their four tournament matches at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, which is approximately 2,240 metres above sea level. This means the Mexico team is accustomed to the conditions, unlike England‘s players. Tuchel stated that physical adaptation to such high altitude is impossible within the short timeframe of a few days.
Altitude and preparation challenges
England‘s journey to Mexico City involves flying from their base in Kansas City on Friday afternoon. They had returned to Kansas City on Wednesday after their 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last 32, following a match in Atlanta. This schedule deviates from their usual practice of arriving in the host city the night before a game, but the Fifa requirement for a part-open training session the day before the match necessitates an earlier arrival.
Tuchel acknowledged that while the earlier arrival offers an extra day in Mexico City, the altitude remains a significant hurdle. He mentioned that the ball will behave differently, potentially flying further, which will require adjustment from the players. Despite the challenges, Tuchel expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to deal with the situation.
Another concern for England‘s preparations involves potential disruptions from local fans. Ecuador had previously complained to Fifa after their team hotel was targeted with fireworks and noise before their last 32 loss to Mexico. England is taking precautions to avoid similar disturbances, including keeping their hotel location undisclosed, although there are worries it might be leaked on social media. Players and staff are being offered natural sleep remedies or white noise audio machines to ensure adequate rest.
Player fitness updates
Midfielder Declan Rice has been managing nerve pain in a hamstring since Christmas, experiencing it during England‘s opening World Cup game against Croatia, where he was substituted in the 72nd minute. He also felt the issue against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, leading to his substitution in the 89th minute. Rice missed the third group stage game against Panama due to an unrelated calf knock.
Despite the ongoing pain, Rice has affirmed his availability for the match against Mexico. Tuchel recounted Rice‘s determination, stating that the player insisted he could continue for the team even while in considerable pain. The manager confirmed that there is no structural injury, and it is primarily neural pain, which Rice believes he can manage from game to game.
Defender Jarell Quansah, who sustained an ankle problem against Panama and was unavailable for the match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is reportedly making progress in his recovery and is expected to be fit for the Mexico fixture.
Source: theguardian.com
