There have been claims that England could use Viagra to combat the altitude at the Azteca Stadium, and Thomas Tuchel has spoken out on the suggestion
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has dismissed the suggestion that they could use Viagra to help them deal with the altitude against Mexico. The Three Lions take on the World Cup co-hosts on Monday, and the sexual enhancement drug has been cited as a tool to combat the nauseating altitude.
England face off against Javier Aguirre’s team on Monday (1am kick-off) in Mexico City at the Azteca Stadium, situated 2,200 metres above sea level. Much has been said about the altitude and how England will cope with the head-spinning conditions amidst a boisterous full house, as Mexico aim for a memorable World Cup victory.
Given the challenging conditions and hostile home crowd, England will seize any advantage they can get, and it has been suggested that the sexual enhancement drug, Viagra, could help overcome some of the difficulties in Mexico City.
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However, this is an idea that England head coach Thomas Tuchel has downplayed. The ex-Chelsea manager brushed aside the proposal that the Three Lions take the medication to give them a hand.
He said: “The information and the support didn’t reach me. That is not true.”
Meanwhile, former Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson made a light-hearted remark when discussing how they’ve been managing the increased altitude. The 36-year-old quipped: “Well, the Viagra helps… I’m joking, it’s a joke.”
Viagra was originally created as a treatment for high blood pressure, but has since become a bedroom aid to tackle erectile dysfunction in men. The medication expands blood vessels in the lungs, preventing an enzyme from constricting them, which proves vital at elevated altitudes.
At greater heights, such as those England will endure on Monday, the atmosphere becomes more sparse, meaning that less oxygen is available with each breath.
Consequently, pulse rate and respiration quicken, which accelerates exhaustion, dehydration, and oxygen deficiency in the blood.
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A report from the Sun indicated that England players will be permitted to use viagra as the medication decreases lung pressure, easing the strain of high altitudes.
Since the drug doesn’t appear on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) banned substances list, the Three Lions stars could take the supplement to enhance their performance, but have completely rubbished the idea.
Tuchel’s men will be keen to dodge the comparable struggles they faced during their Round of 32 triumph over DR Congo. Harry Kane’s brace sealed a comeback to secure a 2-1 win as the Three Lions avoided a massive shock.
Expectations will weigh heavily on England, particularly as tournament favourites to advance, after grinding out a goalless draw against Ghana in the group phase, then battling to unlock a resolute Panama defence before Jude Bellingham and Kane found the net.
A quarter-final encounter with Brazil or Norway awaits the victor of tonight’s clash, which takes place in Miami on July 11.