Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the difficulties England faces as they acclimate to Mexico City but expressed confidence that his squad is prepared to “We feel it even if we don’t train,” in their match against co-host Mexico at Estadio Azteca.
The highly anticipated last-16 clash at Mexico’s iconic stadium poses unique challenges, particularly as England must adapt to the altitude of 2,240 meters, where Mexico has not suffered a defeat since 2013. The team arrived on Friday evening and 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 explained. “Of course it’s painful and still hurts but we are not here for revenge, it doesn’t make sense,”
Despite the challenges, Tuchel remained optimistic, displaying faith in England’s ability to navigate this unprecedented situation. The team has a storied history in this venue, including the infamous 1986 match against Argentina, but the motivation to emerge victorious this time is palpable.
“We are here to write our own chapters, the team is ready, we are in good spirits.” he stated. “It was a bit of confusion but only for me and the officials,”
All of England’s players, except for Reece James, participated in training at the breathtaking Club Universidad Nacional, a facility carved into the cliffs of southern Mexico City and accessible only by tunnel. Tuchel hinted at the possibility of James, who has been sidelined for two matches due to a hamstring injury, making a bench appearance, although the likelihood appears slim. Jarell Quansah, who missed the previous match against the Democratic Republic of Congo due to an ankle issue, trained fully and is set to start at right-back.
England’s preparations were also marred by uncertainty regarding the kickoff time for the match against Mexico. For a portion of Friday afternoon, it seemed the start time might be moved forward six hours from its original 6 p.m. (1 a.m. BST) slot due to severe storm forecasts. Ultimately, no change was made, and Tuchel noted that the confusion did not affect his team, who were en route to Mexico City during the back-and-forth.
“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 remarked. England’s staff reportedly found the potential time change surprising. “I don’t want to talk about problems that don’t exist, it doesn’t feel right,”
Tuchel downplayed the unfriendly reception England received at their hotel from Mexican supporters on Friday night, describing the hosts 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 previous opponents. “I guess they will try and give us a taste of intensity and heat,” he added.
In response to a local journalist’s inquiry regarding rumored use of Viagra to cope with altitude, which elicited laughter from Tuchel and player Jordan Henderson, he dismissed the claims. “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.
Tuchel anticipates a vigorous start from Mexico, who overwhelmed Ecuador in the first half of their 2-0 victory. “The group is aware of where we are,” he stated.
“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, admitted he may need to temper his players’ enthusiasm as anticipation for the match has reached a fever pitch across the nation. Even veteran forward Raúl Jiménez referred to it as “the game of our lives.”
“The group is aware of where we are,” Aguirre explained. “They know, and every single one of my players has a smartphone, so they’re pretty much aware of the euphoria and optimism out there. My responsibility is to keep them grounded whenever they become too overconfident or ecstatic.”
