Thomas Tuchel has admitted that England are enduring a challenging adaptation to the altitude in Mexico City but remains convinced his team will be ready to "write our own chapters" when they face World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the last-16 at Estadio Azteca.
Altitude and logistics pose unique problems
The match is the most eagerly anticipated of the summer, with England needing to adapt to playing 2,240 metres above sea level at a venue where Mexico have not lost since 2013. England landed on Friday evening and struggled to hit their stride in Saturday's final training session.
"We feel it even if we don't train," Tuchel said. "I felt a slight headache in the hotel and didn't sleep as well, but nothing you can't handle. The players felt it in the first minutes of training but coped better as it went on. We cannot physically adapt—it's impossible—but we are here one day before to experience it."
Writing new history, not seeking revenge
Tuchel was relaxed and upbeat, expressing confidence in England's ability to handle the unique occasion. England have painful history at the Azteca, including the 1986 Hand of God defeat to Argentina, but Tuchel emphasised the focus is on the present.
"Of course it's painful and still hurts, but we are not here for revenge," Tuchel said. "We are here to write our own chapters. The team is ready, we are in good spirits."
Team news and kick-off confusion
All players except Reece James trained at the Club Universidad Nacional complex. James has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, and Tuchel said the chances of him being available for the bench are remote. Jarell Quansah, who sat out the win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo with an ankle problem, trained fully and is available to start at right-back.
There was also confusion over the kick-off time, with reports suggesting it could be moved forward six hours due to forecast storms. No decision was made, and Tuchel said the uncertainty did not affect the team, who were in the air during the to and fro.
"It was a bit of confusion but only for me and the officials," Tuchel said. "The team wasn't even aware. We kept it away from them completely."
Mexico's intensity and Aguirre's caution
Tuchel played down the hostile welcome from Mexico supporters at the hotel on Friday night, calling them "very respectful, very emotional and very supportive." He dismissed suggestions that England used Viagra to cope with altitude, laughing off the claim as untrue.
Mexico blew Ecuador away in the first half of their 2-0 win, and Tuchel expects another rapid start. "I guess they will try to give us a taste of intensity and heat," he said. "We will have answers. It's just an iconic match on a big stage."
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre admitted he may need to keep his players grounded, with even veteran forward Raúl Jiménez calling it "the game of our lives."
"The group is aware of where we are," Aguirre said. "Every player has a smartphone, and they're on fire, so they know the euphoria. My obligation is to ground them when they get too self-confident or ecstatic."
