England coach dismisses Viagra talk, focuses on altitude challenge ahead of Mexico clash
England boss says team is adapting to Mexico City's thin air, despite speculation over use of the drug to combat altitude effects.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has laughed off speculation that his players could use Viagra to cope with the high altitude in Mexico City ahead of Sunday's World Cup Round of 16 clash against co-hosts Mexico.
The issue surfaced after reports highlighted that sildenafil - the active ingredient in Viagra - is permitted under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules and has been studied for its potential to improve blood flow in low-oxygen environments.
However, Tuchel made it clear there are no plans for England to rely on the medication, reports Sky News.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Asked about the reports, Tuchel responded that he had received no such information, while insisting the team was concentrating on adapting naturally to the conditions.
"We feel it," Tuchel admitted, revealing he experienced a slight headache and did not sleep as well after arriving in Mexico City, which sits about 2,200 metres (7,200 feet) above sea level.
Still, he stressed that the effects were manageable and not something England would use as an excuse.
England had only four days to prepare for the knockout tie after defeating DR Congo in the Round of 32, leaving little time to acclimatise to the altitude at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Tuchel acknowledged that Mexico, accustomed to the conditions, hold a natural advantage but said his squad is ready for the challenge.
Midfielder Jordan Henderson also joked when asked about Viagra, quipping, "Well, it helped," before making clear he was not speaking seriously.
He admitted the altitude was noticeable but said players were already beginning to adjust.
Medical experts say competing at high altitude can reduce oxygen intake, leading to quicker fatigue, slower recovery and changes in the flight of the ball.
While Viagra was originally developed to treat cardiovascular conditions before becoming widely known as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, researchers have investigated whether it can improve oxygen delivery during exercise at high elevations.
WADA does not prohibit its use, though evidence of a meaningful performance benefit at Mexico City's altitude remains inconclusive.
England face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday (Monday – Bangladesh Time) with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals at stake. Tuchel said his side is determined to "write its own chapter" at the historic venue rather than dwell on England's past disappointments there.
