England players will reportedly be allowed to use Viagra in a bizarre way to boost their performance against Mexico. The upcoming finals will be held at Estadio Azteca, which is more than 7,000 feet above sea level. The altitude is a big concern for the Three Lions, who arrived in Mexico City two days before the game to acclimate.
Coach Thomas Tuchel recently said that Mexico will have a big advantage because they are used to playing at high altitudes. In this case, England could be at a disadvantage before the ball is even kicked. However, it is claimed that he will be allowed to use the unusual treatment of taking Viagra, according to talkSPORT.
Although this prescription drug is best known for treating erectile dysfunction, it was originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure. It widens blood vessels in the lungs after blocking an enzyme that restricts them. This is very important at high altitudes.
The Aztec atmosphere is thin and has low oxygen levels, making it difficult for the heart to pump oxygen throughout the body and maintain stamina.
By lowering blood pressure in the lungs, Viagra can help relieve fatigue and dizziness caused by high altitude.
There is no suggestion that England are planning to use the drug against Mexico, but nothing would stop them from doing so.
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list released earlier this year, Viagra is not classified as a prohibited substance.
WADA has conducted extensive research on its active substance, sildenafil, and has determined that sildenafil is not a significant performance enhancer at or near sea level.
A study conducted by the same organization in 2015 found that Viagra could improve athletic performance at high altitudes (above 3,800 meters above sea level) by more than 35 percent in some athletes.
Back in 2019, Argentine club Union de Santa Fe used erectile dysfunction drugs to combat high altitude at the Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa, which is located 2,850 meters above sea level.
