This will be one of England’s most challenging matches. And not just because they’re playing co-host Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
After months of planning and a year of preparation, England are finally set to face Mexico in the last 16 of the World Cup.
England have known since the draw in Washington that they could face Mexico in Mexico City in the last 16.
The draw made it clear that if England win their group stage, that is the path Thomas Tuchel’s side will face at this World Cup. So here’s the challenge and what England have done to prepare in line with FIFA protocols.
low pressure chamber
Last summer, England’s players prepared for this World Cup using hypobaric rooms, oxygen masks and heat chambers.
They introduced cutting-edge technology at a training camp in Girona ahead of season-ending matches against Andorra and Senegal.
This caused a lot of interest at the time and was clearly ahead of any knowledge of where England would be based or play this World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo always uses a low-pressure chamber. Some England players even have one at home.
All measures were taken.
England are preparing for the match against Mexico (Image: Getty Images)
remote training
England’s stars were monitored by Whoop! Device given by FA medical and scientific staff.
They regularly studied data, sleep patterns, energy and fitness in consultation with the club.
When the draw took place in March, scrutiny and communication was stepped up to ensure that FA staff knew exactly where each player’s fitness was when they reported in March.
training base
Now, England are attracting attention because they train in Kansas City, located in the middle of the country, and also have a preliminary base in Florida.
Florida was a boot camp of sweat and adapting to the conditions, pure and simple. Declan Rice claimed he noticed he was sweating less after just over a week in the US.
It was a real challenge in the heat and humidity of Florida, but the FA felt it paid off.
Once we arrived in Kansas City, it was time to talk about the comforts of home. Yes, it was humid and hot. But they set their sights on places like Dallas and New Jersey and fell in love with Kansas.
Great facilities, good location, and players enjoy anonymity and a drama-free environment.
(Image: AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
flying
They are able to fly home after every game and arrive at a reasonable time, unlike at the Euros where they went home at 3 or 4am.
Obviously things will be different after Mexico, but no matter the outcome, they’ll be back in Kansas City.
After the game against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta, the players returned to their hotels and many continued on their bikes. During public practice the next day, a player who was playing was also hit by a bike.
Mexico
FIFA rules state that each country must be in the host city at least 24 hours before kickoff to complete training, media duties and attend matches.
From the quarter-finals onwards, the time will change to 48 hours due to increased competition and demands.
But altitude is a challenge. Experts say the best time to arrive in Mexico City is actually just six hours early, after which you won’t feel the effects. That was not possible due to FIFA regulations.
However, anything between 6 and 24 hours is considered OK. However, experts say the longest time before adverse effects appear is 48 hours. In reality, it takes 48 hours, or a week, to prepare. There’s nothing in between.
England are pushing the limits. why? Many top athletes have complained that their sleep was broken and interrupted on their first night of watching, and the FA is prepared for that. I couldn’t sleep on Friday, but on Saturday I’ll be able to sleep better until the game day.
England faces challenges at Aztec (Image: Getty Images)
It’s that simple. What should they expect?
Even top athletes complain of shortness of breath, sickness, and lightheadedness. There’s no reason why, but some are more impactful than others.
The particular challenge of this tournament, and why it feels so unfair, is that in 1986, when it was a one-nation World Cup, England were able to train for playing in Mexico. Now there are three.
Is that really fair? That’s where the integrity of the sport comes into play. The team is clearly biased in favor of Mexico, who played four games with the Aztecs, winning four and not conceding a goal. They are 10th in the world and a good team.
However, their record at home is disproportionate to the team’s standing, having lost just two games this century. That’s why Mexico has a huge advantage.
England’s players have been warned they could be affected in the first 20 minutes. But in Mexico, they think their opponents will get tired with 20 minutes left. Let’s get ready.
security and reception
England face a welcome to hell situation from the moment they arrive in Mexico City.
Ecuador, who lost in the final round, complained that on the eve of the match, their hotel was besieged by Mexican fans playing loud music, honking horns and teasing motorbikes. This caused players to lose sleep and Ecuador filed a complaint with FIFA.
FIFA has now spoken to the FA and agreed to set up a cordon around the hotel and provide a blue-light escort to the airport and stadium. Police and security officials are on high alert for the next 48 hours.
England’s players were also given earplugs, devices to listen to white noise and advice on best practice on everything from diet to training and recovery.
The FA took all possible precautions. England are better team men than Mexico. But given the heightened awareness of dirty tricks due to Aztec fans and the farce surrounding the possible kickoff change, only after the game will we know if everything worked out.
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