Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
If Thomas Tuchel’s primary objective upon taking the England job was to immerse himself in the uniquely chaotic theatre of the national team, then 48 hours in the Mexican capital has provided the ultimate crash course. Ahead of a high-stakes World Cup Round of 16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at the intimidating Azteca Stadium, England’s preparations have been dominated by two distinct distractions: a nocturnal blockade by hostile local supporters, and a bizarre line of questioning regarding the squad’s medical itinerary.
advertisement
The physiological challenge of playing at 2,240 metres above sea level has been the central tactical narrative of England’s knockout campaign. Yet, the pre-match press conference veered from the scientific to the surreal when Tuchel was asked directly whether his players were utilising sildenafil, more commonly known as Viagra, to combat the effects of altitude-induced hypoxia.
The theory itself is rooted in genuine sports science; the drug is a known vasodilator that can expand blood vessels in the lungs, allowing for better oxygen absorption in thin air. Because it is completely legal under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, rumours had circulated that the Football Association’s medical staff had made it available to the squad.
Tuchel, however, treated the enquiry with the wry amusement of a man well-briefed on the eccentricities of the English press.
“Is it true you have been using Viagra to mitigate effects of the altitude, that is information that came along, is that really true,” the England boss was asked in the pre-match press conference.
“The information and the support did not reach me,” Tuchel responded, smiling broadly at the top table, before adding a definitive: “That is not true.”
The banter extended into the playing squad, who will be up against Mexico’s surreal record at the Azteca – they haven’t lost here since 2013.
Jordan Henderson, sitting alongside his manager, also saw the funny side when asked how the squad were coping with the unique atmospheric challenges of the Azteca.
“Well the Viagra helps,” Henderson quipped with a deadpan delivery, letting the line hang for just a beat before breaking into a grin and adding, “I’m joking.”
MEXICO FANS AT IT AGAIN
Behind the levity, however, lies a far more hostile reality on the ground. Recognising that the thin air is Mexico’s 12th man, local supporters have attempted to ensure the England squad are further depleted by a lack of sleep. A vocal contingent of Mexico fans discovered the location of England’s supposedly confidential team hotel and have maintained a relentless acoustic assault outside the building, utilising car horns, chants, and firecrackers.
It is a well-rehearsed guerrilla tactic; the same methods were successfully deployed against Ecuador earlier in the tournament, leaving that squad visibly fatigued on matchday. Keen to avoid a similar fate, the FA’s security detail, in coordination with local authorities, has enacted a total lockdown of the vicinity.
A heavy contingent of police has cordoned off the streets surrounding the hotel, establishing a strict security perimeter to push the rowdy Mexican fans back and grant Tuchel’s men a vital night of undisturbed rest.
When the whistle blows at the Azteca, the jokes will stop. Tuchel knows his side faces a dual battle against a partisan crowd and a punishing climate.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
