Ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico, England national team manager Thomas Tuchel admitted that his team is experiencing physical hurdles. The issue stems from the geographical location of Mexico City, which sits at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level.
Tuchel openly revealed that he himself felt the effects of the thinner oxygen levels compared to other regions. The German coach complained of mild health symptoms, such as dizziness and disrupted sleep patterns, since arriving in the city. For him, this natural challenge is a factor that cannot be overcome with brief preparation.
According to the manager, the England squad led by Harry Kane is expected to experience a difference in performance during their first training session. Tuchel emphasized that bodily adaptation cannot be forced instantly, but arriving in Mexico City one day earlier at least helps the players get acclimated to the pitch conditions before the actual match begins.
In addition to stamina concerns, Tuchel also paid special attention to Mexico's playing style. He predicts that the hosts will launch a highly aggressive assault in the first 15 to 20 minutes of the match. The former Chelsea manager believes that England's success in this fixture highly depends on their ability to withstand Mexico's initial onslaught while adjusting to the challenging physical conditions.
