England head coach Thomas Tuchel has dismissed the suggestion that his team could use Viagra to help them deal with the altitude against Mexico. The Three Lions take on the World Cup co-hosts on Monday, and the sexual enhancement drug has been cited as a tool to combat the nauseating conditions at the Azteca Stadium, situated 2,200 metres above sea level.
Tuchel Brushes Aside Proposal
When asked about the possibility of using Viagra to boost performance, Tuchel downplayed the idea. He said: "The information and the support didn't reach me. That is not true." The ex-Chelsea manager made it clear that the suggestion has no basis within the England camp.
Former Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson also made a light-hearted remark when discussing how the team has been managing the increased altitude. The 36-year-old quipped: "Well, the Viagra helps... I'm joking, it's a joke."
Viagra and Altitude: The Science
Viagra was originally created as a treatment for high blood pressure but has since become a bedroom aid to tackle erectile dysfunction in men. The medication expands blood vessels in the lungs, preventing an enzyme from constricting them, which proves vital at elevated altitudes. At greater heights, such as those England will endure on Monday, the atmosphere becomes more sparse, meaning less oxygen is available with each breath. Consequently, pulse rate and respiration quicken, accelerating exhaustion, dehydration, and oxygen deficiency in the blood.
A report from the Sun indicated that England players would be permitted to use Viagra as the medication decreases lung pressure, easing the strain of high altitudes. Since the drug does not appear on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) banned substances list, the Three Lions stars could take the supplement to enhance their performance, but they have completely rubbished the idea.
England's World Cup Journey So Far
Tuchel's men will be keen to avoid the comparable struggles they faced during their Round of 32 triumph over DR Congo. Harry Kane's brace sealed a comeback to secure a 2-1 win as the Three Lions avoided a massive shock. Expectations will weigh heavily on England, particularly as tournament favourites to advance, after grinding out a goalless draw against Ghana in the group phase, then battling to unlock a resolute Panama defence before Jude Bellingham and Kane found the net.
A quarter-final encounter with Brazil or Norway awaits the victor of Monday's clash, which takes place in Miami on July 11. The match in Mexico City kicks off at 1am BST, and England will face a hostile crowd at the iconic Azteca Stadium, where altitude and atmosphere combine to create a daunting challenge.
