"How the 2,240m Elevation of Azteca Stadium Could Weaken England Against Mexico"

ENGLAND will need a head for heights in Mexico City if they are to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Three Lions stars must deal with altitude, as the Azteca Stadium is perched 2,240m above sea level.

To put that into context, West Brom’s stadium is the highest in England at just 168m.

have lost just twice at the Azteca in a staggering 89 matches and boss called it “a huge advantage” for the co-hosts.

Here, Charlie Wyett and Adam Hathaway explain why altitude will be such a problem for , Declan Rice and Co.

IS IT REALLY A BIG ADVANTAGE?

Altitude is a massive factor when hosting matches — although England experience it very rarely.

Their last visit to the Azteca was a 2-1 World Cup quarter- final defeat to in 1986 featuring Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God goal.

Central and South American teams are more used to altitude and sometimes pick elevated stadiums to destabilise rivals.

After Bolivia hosted Brazil in a 2017 World Cup qualifier in capital La Paz — 3,660 metres above sea level — some of the visitors’ stars needed oxygen tanks to feel better.

Former Mexico captain Pavel Pardo, whose former side Club America played home games at the Azteca, warned: “As an opponent, you know when you go there, you’re going to suffer.”

And boss Thomas Tuchel said: “The ball will fly differently. It will fly maybe five yards more. It’s just difficult.”

HOW DOES PLAYING AT ALTITUDE MAKE YOU FEEL?

At venues like the Azteca, the Earth’s barometric pressure is lower, making air thinner so less oxygen reaches the bloodstream.

That causes debilitating symptoms such as shortness of breath, increased heart rate, dehydration and fatigue.

Ex-West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker, who played for Montreal Impact at the Azteca in the 2015 Concacaf final, said: “It’s the most physically demanding place I ever played football.

Nigel Reo-Coker remembers the pain of trying to play in Mexico altitude Credit: Getty

“To come from Europe and play in that altitude is so difficult. You cannot catch your breath. The first 45 to 55 minutes you’re literally just trying to keep breathing.

“It’s about football intelligence — you have to pick and choose the moments where you exert yourself.”

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO STOP THIS?

England have been preparing for this since the World Cup draw in December showed a path to Mexico City if they won Group L.

But the Three Lions, whose training base is 1,664 miles away in Kansas City, are clearly hampered by busy knockout stage schedule.

Tuchel, whose side will cross the border from the US a day earlier, said: “The recommendation is you either go ten days before — which is too long for us — or last minute, which is not allowed.

England’s German manager admits he is worried about the weather Credit: Getty

“Some teams say they travel very late on matchday if they don’t have time to adapt. It will stay as a disadvantage.”

Players could potentially train in altitude tents or wear masks during workouts that simulate the conditions.

HOW DOES IT WORK WITH OTHER SPORTS?

England’s rugby team face in Johannesburg tomorrow.

The intimidating Ellis Park stadium is 1,753m above sea level but the tourists flew in last Wednesday to prepare.

Strength and conditioning coach Nathan Beardsley said: “In a rugby scenario, it’s the breathlessness. You’re trying to get your breath back.

“Players might have repeated bouts of defending their try line or attacking the opposition line. When you do those repeated efforts in England, the oxygen is there and you can breathe. At altitude, that’s more difficult.”

England blew a 24-3 lead to lose 42-39 to South Africa in Johannesburg eight years ago.

Veteran , who starts tomorrow, regretted England’s preparations.

Jamie George knows what his football compatriots are facing Credit: PA

He said: “Our philosophy as a team was that it was a mindset, but there’s proof that there’s more to it.

“We’re here long enough to make sure it’s not a problem this time.”

have spoken to the RFU and Olympic chiefs to help plan for the match with Mexico.

Tuchel said: “We did our homework. was a part of it. The FA did it for me and gave me all the info.”

HOW WORRIED SHOULD ENGLAND FANS BE?

Former cyclist Alex Dowsett believes England should have factored in altitude prep.

The Essex star set the hour riding record in Aguascalientes, Mexico, at altitude of 1,887m in 2021 and said: “I spent big chunks of my career living at 2,000 metres in Andorra.

“It isn’t only about racing high. Sleeping at altitude made me better back at sea level.

Alex Dowsett has cycled in some of the world’s most brutal places Credit: EPA

“More red blood cells, more oxygen where you want it.

“Going hard, going again, and again after that — and still holding the quality.

“I’m no football expert but that’s every sprint and every press in a match, surely?

“A tent in your bedroom does most of the job.”