Thomas Tuchel has conceded that England face a major disadvantage against Mexico in the World Cup Round of 16 due to the altitude at the Estadio Azteca, which sits 2,240 metres above sea level. Speaking after England's 2-1 victory over DR Congo in Atlanta, Tuchel acknowledged that the four-day turnaround makes physical acclimatisation impossible.
Mexico's formidable home record
Mexico have won all four of their World Cup matches to date without conceding a goal. They have played 89 competitive matches at the Estadio Azteca, losing only twice. The 87,523-capacity stadium, often called a football cathedral, presents a daunting prospect for any visiting team.
Tuchel said: "It is maybe one of the most beautiful and exciting fixtures that you can have against Mexico in the Azteca and there will be a lot of obstacles waiting for us. Not to mention the altitude will be of course a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it and in four days it's just impossible."
Heat training may help, but not altitude
While the humidity in Atlanta has been high, Tuchel noted that England's early arrival in the United States and a training camp in Florida have provided sufficient heat acclimatisation. However, he stressed that altitude adaptation requires more time than available.
"My understanding is that we cannot adapt to the altitude, that is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have. It just takes too much time. We have only three days between this match, it's physically just not possible to adapt to the altitude, which is quite high," Tuchel explained.
England's victory over DR Congo was secured by a Harry Kane goal, sparing England's blushes. Tuchel added: "We need it, maybe we have the ideal platform now to genuinely believe that we are ready for that. When the going gets tough, we will find the answers."
