Tuchel Urges England to Stay Calm Before 6 p.m. Mexico Clash at 2,240m Altitude
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 5
Tuchel Urges England to Stay Calm Before 6 p.m. Mexico Clash at 2,240m Altitude
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 5
Summary
England trained in Mexico City on Saturday with Thomas Tuchel telling players not to "lose their heads" before Sunday's World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico after a disrupted buildup.
FIFA had considered moving the Azteca kickoff forward by six hours because of fan-safety concerns and forecast severe thunderstorms, but left the match at its scheduled 6 p.m. start.
At 2,240m above sea level, the altitude was already felt in training — Tuchel said players struggled in the opening minutes but coped better as the session went on.
England arrived a day early to adjust and are under heavy hotel security after Ecuador complained about fireworks before its 2-0 loss to Mexico, though Tuchel said England had no issues overnight.
Tuchel expects Mexico to start aggressively in the first 15-20 minutes and said England's best response is to stay relaxed, accept conditions they cannot change and focus on controllable details.