Thomas Tuchel has admitted he felt a slight headache due to altitude after arriving in Mexico City for England's World Cup last-16 match against co-hosts Mexico at Azteca Stadium, which sits at around 7,200ft above sea level. The Three Lions landed on Friday evening, and Tuchel says his players do not have enough time to adapt.
Tuchel's personal experience with altitude
'You know what, we feel it, we feel it even if we don't train,' Tuchel said. 'I felt, for example, a slight headache in the hotel room through the day. Didn't sleep as well as the days before but nothing that you cannot handle and cannot adapt.' He added that players felt it during training but coped better as the session went on.
Mexico's altitude advantage
Mexico have played all four of their World Cup matches at high altitude, with three at Azteca and one in Guadalajara (around 5,000ft). They are yet to concede a goal. Tuchel noted: 'It is not a coincidence that Mexico starts their matches normally at home very strong, very front-footed, very aggressively because I think the first 15-20 minutes will be maybe the toughest for us.'
Security and sleep concerns
Earlier this week, Ecuador complained to FIFA after Mexico fans disturbed their players with fireworks outside their hotel before a defeat. Security has been increased at England's hotel. Tuchel said: 'We had no issues last night, I think FIFA took care of the situation and we have security around the hotel, so we expect a good night of sleep.'
Kick-off time farce dismissed
Tuchel also downplayed Friday's confusion when FIFA considered moving the kick-off from 6pm local time to 12pm before scrapping the change. 'Like so often, it is so much noise. When you are inside of the bubble, it is actually quite calm, quite focused,' he said. 'The players were not even aware of a possible change of kick-offs.'
Positive outlook
Despite the challenges, Tuchel remains upbeat: 'We need to overcome obstacles but we have the spirit, we have the commitment, the pure will and the glue between the team to overcome these things. That's why I am positive.'
