England have been warned they will struggle to breathe when they face Mexico at the sky-high altitude of the Azteca Stadium in the World Cup last 16. Thomas Tuchel's men secured their place in the knockout stage after a nervy 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo, with Harry Kane scoring a late double.
Altitude Challenge at the Azteca
The iconic Azteca Stadium sits at 7,000 feet above sea level, roughly 1.5 times higher than the summit of Ben Nevis. Former Scottish footballer Tam McManus, who played for Colorado Rapids at 5,200 feet, believes England will struggle to adapt. He told the Record Celtic podcast: "I got off the plane and could hardly breathe walking off. I ended up spending a couple of days in my bed with altitude sickness."
McManus noted that visiting teams often wilted in Colorado: "When teams came, you could see with 20 or 30 minutes to go, they were knackered. We used to win a lot of games late on." Mexico's altitude is 2,000 feet higher than Denver, making conditions even tougher.
Mexico's Home Advantage
Mexico boast an incredible home record, having lost just twice in 89 competitive fixtures. They are unbeaten at the Azteca in 13 years. McManus said: "I think Mexico are underdogs with the bookies, but I'd make them favourites simply because of the conditions."
The former Hibs striker added that once acclimatised, players benefit: "I was flying after two or three weeks. The ball flies a mile in thin air. But England are going in one or two days before, which isn't enough time."
Key to Victory
McManus insists England must start strongly: "Can they stay in the game for 60 minutes? I think they'll tire towards the end. Later in the game is when Mexico could win it." The Three Lions face a monumental task to reach the quarter-finals.
