Thomas Tuchel has claimed that England will be at a 'huge' disadvantage in the high altitude of Mexico City for their World Cup last-16 match against Mexico on Sunday, criticising a Fifa rule that prevents the team from arriving on the day of the game.
Acclimatisation plans blocked by Fifa
The Football Association researched altitude effects, consulting teams including the British Olympic team. Findings suggested that if arriving 10 days early is impossible, travelling on matchday as late as possible is best. However, Fifa requires teams to train at 'venue-specific sites' near stadiums the day before matches from the last 16 onwards. This forces England to fly from Kansas City to Mexico City on Friday afternoon, after returning from Atlanta following their 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mexico have played three of four tournament matches at the Azteca Stadium, at 2,240 metres above sea level, and are acclimatised. Tuchel noted the altitude affects athletic performance and is new for his players.
Tuchel: 'It will stay as a disadvantage'
'The recommendation is you either go 10 days before – which is too long for us – or last minute, which is not allowed,' Tuchel said. 'We have spoken to teams who do it and they say they travel very, very late on matchday if they cannot have time to adapt. [We must] find a mixture in between. It will stay as a disadvantage.' When asked if it was unfair, he replied: 'Yes, it's a huge advantage [for Mexico].'
Tuchel saw a positive in an extra day in Mexico City, noting the ball will fly differently: 'It will fly maybe five yards more. It's just difficult. We just need the experience.'
Declan Rice battling nerve pain
Tuchel revealed midfielder Declan Rice has been managing nerve pain in a hamstring since Christmas. Rice felt it in England's opening World Cup game against Croatia, when he was withdrawn in the 72nd minute, and again against the DRC, with Tuchel substituting him in the 89th minute. Rice missed game three against Panama with a calf knock.
'I asked Declan how he was,' Tuchel said. 'He said: 'I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain.' And when Declan tells you he is in terrible pain then you know he cannot take it any more. He was grateful we took him off but he said after the game it's not an issue. There is no injury. I think he will recover. He was just in pain and I hope he is right. It's more neural pain. Can he go from game to game? He can, yes.'
Hotel noise concerns
Tuchel was asked about potential noise from Mexico fans outside the team hotel. Ecuador complained to Fifa after fireworks disrupted their sleep before losing to Mexico in the last 32. 'We will expect that but what can we do?' Tuchel said. When earplugs were suggested, he added: 'Yeah, we will bring some stuff. I expect everything.'
