England footballer Jude Bellingham was seen training in his underpants to cope with the 33C heat in Kansas on Thursday. Bellingham and his teammates, including captain Harry Kane, were engaged in a demanding session on exercise bikes.
The team's focus is now shifting to their upcoming match against Mexico in Mexico City, where altitude and thinner air present a different challenge than the heat. Mexico City is situated nearly 7,300 feet above sea level, a significant increase from the altitudes of their previous game locations in Boston, New York, Dallas, and Atlanta.
Mexico's press has highlighted the potential advantage of playing at altitude, with some outlets suggesting the opposing team will tire. Reports indicate that England's supporters may be outnumbered at the Azteca Stadium, the venue for their match. In anticipation of the game, Mexico fans have employed tactics such as sounding car horns and revving motorcycles outside opponents' team hotels.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged Mexico's significant advantage due to the altitude. The national team has a strong record at the Azteca Stadium, having played 89 games there with only two losses. They remain unbeaten in World Cup matches at the venue, securing three wins in the current tournament without conceding a goal.
This match marks England's return to the Azteca Stadium 40 years after their 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, a game notable for Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal.