Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged the difficulties of adapting to Mexico City's altitude but expressed confidence that England will be prepared to 'write our own chapters' when they face World Cup co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in the last 16.
Altitude challenges and preparation
England arrived in Mexico City on Friday evening and struggled to find their rhythm during Saturday's final training session at the Club Universidad Nacional complex, located 2,240 metres above sea level. The venue has been a fortress for Mexico, who have not lost there since 2013. 'We feel it even if we don't train,' Tuchel said. 'I felt a slight headache and didn't sleep as well, but nothing you can't handle. The players felt it in the first minutes of training but coped better as it went on. It's impossible to physically adapt, but we are here one day before to experience it.'
Embracing the occasion
Despite England's painful history at the Azteca—including the 1986 Hand of God defeat to Argentina—Tuchel is focused on the present. 'Of course it hurts, but we are not here for revenge. We are here to write our own chapters. The team is ready and in good spirits.' He played down the hostile welcome from Mexico fans at the team hotel, calling them 'very respectful, very emotional, and very supportive of our team.'
Team news and logistics
All players except Reece James trained fully; James is unlikely to feature due to a hamstring injury. Jarell Quansah, who missed the last match with an ankle issue, trained fully and could start at right-back. The kick-off time uncertainty—briefly considered moving from 6pm to noon due to forecast storms—was resolved during England's flight. 'It was a bit of confusion but only for me and officials. We kept it away from the players,' Tuchel said.
Mexico's euphoria and security
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre admitted he must keep his squad grounded amid national frenzy, with veteran striker Raúl Jiménez calling it 'the game of our lives.' Over 17,000 police officers will be deployed in Mexico City. Tuchel dismissed a local journalist's suggestion that England used Viagra to cope with altitude, laughing it off as untrue. 'I don't want to talk about problems that don't exist,' he added.
