England manager Thomas Tuchel reacted with surprise when asked if his team was considering using Viagra to help acclimatize to the high altitude of Mexico City for their World Cup last-16 match. The Azteca Stadium, the venue for the tie, sits 2,200 meters (7,220 feet) above sea level.
Tuchel conceded that adapting to the altitude in time for the game would be a physical challenge for the England squad. When questioned directly about Viagra, the manager responded with a smile, stating, "The information and the support did not reach me. That is not true."
Viagra, the brand name for sildenafil, has been reported to potentially improve exercise performance at high altitudes by relaxing pulmonary vessels, which could increase oxygen delivery. However, research suggests its benefits are more likely at altitudes above 4,000 meters.
Midfielder Jordan Henderson also addressed the altitude challenge with humor. When asked about the team's preparations, Henderson quipped, "Well the Viagra helps," before clarifying, "I'm joking."
Tuchel acknowledged that players were feeling the effects of the altitude. "We feel it," he said following the team's training session. "I felt a slight headache and in the hotel room through the day, didn't sleep as well as the days before." He added that while noticeable, the effects were manageable and players were adapting during training.
Mexico has a strong historical record at the Azteca Stadium, with 70 wins, 17 draws, and only two defeats in 89 matches played there.
