Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged that England is facing a tough adjustment period in Mexico City, but he remains optimistic that his squad will be prepared to “We feel it even if we don’t train,” in their clash against the World Cup co-hosts at Estadio Azteca.
The last-16 match, set to unfold in Mexico’s iconic stadium, has generated significant excitement, but it has also presented unique challenges. Competing at an altitude of 2,240 meters, England must acclimate to a venue where Mexico has not suffered a defeat since 2013. After arriving on Friday evening, the team struggled to find their rhythm during Saturday’s final training session before the match.
“I felt, for example, a slight headache in the hotel through the day and didn’t sleep as well as in the days before, but nothing you can’t handle. I think the players felt it in the first minutes of the training session and the longer it went, they coped with it better. It’s just what it is. We cannot physically adapt, it’s just impossible, but we are here one day before to experience it at least, to not have the first experience in tomorrow’s warm-up.” Tuchel stated. “Of course it’s painful and still hurts but we are not here for revenge, it doesn’t make sense,”
Despite these challenges, Tuchel exuded confidence, emphasizing his belief in England’s capability to navigate this distinctive occasion. The historical backdrop of past encounters, particularly the painful defeat to Argentina in 1986, adds weight to this match, but Tuchel insists the focus remains forward.
“We are here to write our own chapters, the team is ready, we are in good spirits.” Tuchel remarked. “It was a bit of confusion but only for me and the officials,”
All players except for Reece James participated in training at the stunning Club Universidad Nacional complex, carved into the cliff faces in southern Mexico City and accessible only by tunnel. Tuchel hinted at the possibility of James, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, being available for the bench, although this remains unlikely. Jarell Quansah, who missed the last match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to an ankle issue, trained fully and is available to start at right-back.
Another element of uncertainty in England’s preparation involved the confusing situation regarding the kickoff time for the Mexico match. For a period on Friday afternoon, there were indications that the start time could be advanced by six hours from its scheduled 6 PM (1 AM BST) due to anticipated heavy storms. Ultimately, no decision was made to alter the time, and Tuchel stated that the confusion did not affect his players, who were en route to Mexico City during the discussions.
“I’m not sure if the team was even aware. We kept it away from the players completely but as soon as we landed it was resolved. It was a good moment to be in the air for three and a half hours. Tuchel played down the hostile welcome England received at their hotel from Mexico supporters on Friday night, calling their hosts “very respectful, very emotional and very supportive of our team” Tuchel explained. England’s staff reportedly expressed their surprise at the potential change. “I don’t want to talk about problems that don’t exist, it doesn’t feel right,”
Tuchel also downplayed the warm reception England received from Mexican fans at their hotel, describing them as “The information didn’t reach me, that is not true,” Enhanced security measures have been implemented to prevent a repeat of the disturbances experienced by Ecuador, Mexico’s last-32 opponents, earlier in the week. “I guess they will try and give us a taste of intensity and heat,” he added.
The England head coach was further questioned by a local reporter regarding outrageous rumors that the team had resorted to using Viagra to cope with the altitude, prompting laughter from both Tuchel and Jordan Henderson, who was present at the press conference. “We will have answers to that, we need to have answers, and it’s a key element of our team that we are able to find answers to any questions. I’m full of trust that we’ll do it tomorrow. It’s just an iconic match on a big stage and we feel it.” Tuchel clarified.
In their previous match, Mexico overwhelmed Ecuador with a 2-0 victory, and Tuchel anticipates another quick start from them. “The group is aware of where we are,” he noted.
“The group knows, and every single one of my players has a smartphone and they’re on fire, so they’re pretty much aware of the euphoria and the optimism out there. “My obligation is that whenever they get too self-confident or whenever they get too ecstatic, I try to ground them.”
Meanwhile, Mexico’s manager, Javier Aguirre, acknowledged the need to keep his players grounded amid the heightened anticipation surrounding the match. Even veteran striker Raúl Jiménez has labeled it as “the game of our lives.”
“The group is aware of where we are,” Aguirre said. “The group knows, and every single one of my players has a smartphone and they’re on fire, so they’re pretty much aware of the euphoria and the optimism out there.
“My obligation is that whenever they get too self-confident or whenever they get too ecstatic, I try to ground them.”
