England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted that his team will lack sufficient time to acclimate to high-altitude conditions before their round-of-16 World Cup match against Mexico. Following Harry Kane’s decisive goals against DR Congo, England secured their spot at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, which sits roughly 7,200 feet above sea level.
The thin air at this elevation reduces oxygen intake, presenting a significant physical hurdle for the squad. In contrast, Mexico has played every tournament match at high elevation, providing them with a clear physiological edge. Tuchel remarked that adjusting to such heights is impossible within a three-day window, describing the situation as a substantial challenge his team must overcome through sheer determination.
Addressing the pressure of England’s long-standing World Cup trophy drought, Tuchel insisted his players are focused and unaffected by historical narratives. Looking ahead to the late kickoff scheduled for 01:00 BST on July 6, the coach encouraged parents to allow children to stay up and watch the event. He noted that such global football moments are rare and that the team values the support of the younger generation during this critical fixture.
