The England national team faces an unusual physical challenge ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup round of 16 clash against hosts Mexico. Playing at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, 'The Three Lions' squad is forced to adapt to the geographical conditions of the Mexican capital, located at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, which results in thin oxygen levels in the air.
Senior England midfielder Jordan Henderson admitted that the impact of the altitude has been felt by the players since their arrival. Even light physical activity brings a different sensation. However, he hopes his team can adjust quickly when the match takes place.
"You can feel it even doing normal activities. During training, you feel the effect in the first 10 to 15 minutes, but after that, the body starts to adjust. Our hope is that when the match starts tomorrow, our focus remains fully on the game," Henderson said at a press conference.
This condition is not only felt by the players. England manager Thomas Tuchel revealed that he experienced mild symptoms such as dizziness and difficulty sleeping while staying at the hotel, a common phenomenon for newcomers to high-altitude regions.
A tough task awaits England at the Azteca Stadium, which is known to have a daunting record for Mexico's opponents. Historically, Mexico has recorded 70 wins out of 89 matches at this stadium, with an unbeaten record in 10 World Cup matches held there. Nevertheless, Henderson emphasized that his team remains optimistic despite facing what is predicted to be a highly challenging match atmosphere.
