The Three Lions face Mexico 2,200 metres above sea level at the Estadio Azteca in their World Cup 2026 last-16 showdown on Monday morning in what is their biggest challenge yet under manager Thomas Tuchel.
England have arrived in Mexico City two days ahead of the game to try and acclimatise but medical experts state that the side would need at least 3 weeks to adapt to the conditions.
Tuchel’s side are at a massive disadvantage heading into the clash and reports claim the German coach will be looking for ways to counteract the altitude problem which will leave his players exhausted throughout the tie.
Reports from TalkSPORT, The Sun and Marca claim that England could employ an unusual cure in the form of taking Viagra, the drug that is best known for treating erectile dysfunction.
Despite it being a funny concept that the England squad are administrating such a drug, the pill reduces blood pressure in the lungs and therefore counteracts feelings of fatigue and dizziness experienced at high altitudes.
The Sun stated that studies suggest its impact would be limited at altitudes below 4,000 meters, and Mexico City is below that level.
There is no suggestion that England are planning to use the drug against Mexico, but there would be nothing stopping them as the prescription drug is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2026 list of banned substances.