On July 2, England coach Tuchel stated that in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match on Sunday, England would face a "huge" disadvantage due to the high altitude in Mexico City. He also criticized a FIFA regulation that he believes prevented the team from implementing an ideal acclimatization preparation plan.
England had hoped to adapt to the high-altitude environment more flexibly, but FIFA's schedule and regulations limited their options. England had explored various acclimatization strategies, including consulting with other sports teams, even the British Olympic team.
Research showed that if it's not possible to arrive at the match venue about 10 days in advance for acclimatization training, the best approach is to arrive as late as possible, close to kick-off time on the day of the match, to minimize the effects of altitude sickness.
However, FIFA regulations stipulate that from the Round of 16 onwards, teams must conduct pre-match training at a "designated training base" near the match venue, and this training must be completed the day before the match. This means England had to fly from Kansas City to Mexico City on Friday afternoon, having just returned to Kansas City from Atlanta on Wednesday after their 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32.
Mexico has played three matches in this tournament at the Azteca Stadium, which is located in Mexico City at an altitude of approximately 2,240 meters. Having played in high-altitude environments for a long time, they are very well adapted, and Tuchel admitted that this would be a completely new challenge for England.
"The advice is either to go 10 days in advance to acclimatize—but that's too long for us; or to arrive at the last minute, but FIFA doesn't allow that," said Tuchel. "We talked to some experienced teams, and they said if you can't acclimatize in advance, you can only arrive as late as possible. We can only find a compromise, but the disadvantage remains."
When asked if he considered the rules unfair, Tuchel stated directly: "Yes, it's a huge advantage for Mexico."
However, he also mentioned a slightly positive factor: England had an extra day in Mexico City compared to previous matches, where they had only arrived the day before the game.
He also explained the specific impact of high altitude on the game: "The ball flies differently at high altitude, it might fly about five yards further. It's hard to adapt, and we need actual match experience to adjust."
Tuchel also revealed midfielder Declan Rice's physical condition. Rice has been suffering from hamstring nerve pain since December last year and felt discomfort in England's opening FIFA World Cup match against Croatia, being substituted in the 72nd minute.
He missed the third match due to a minor calf injury, and the nerve pain recurred in the match against DR Congo, with Tuchel substituting him in the 89th minute.
Rice himself stated that he could play in the match against Mexico.
Tuchel said: "I asked him how he felt, and he said: 'I can push through for the team, but it's really painful.' When a player says 'it's really painful,' it means it's reached its limit. He also thanked us for substituting him. He said it wouldn't be a big problem afterward, not an injury, and I hope he's right. It's more nerve pain, and he can play game after game."
Additionally, Tuchel was asked whether Mexican fans would make noise outside the team hotel the night before the match. Previously, the Ecuador team had complained that fireworks were set off outside their hotel the night before their match against Mexico.
Tuchel responded: "We expected it, but what can we do?" When asked if players needed earplugs, he said: "Yes, we will prepare something. I have anticipated all kinds of situations."
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