This will be one of England’s most challenging matches. And not just because they are facing the joint hosts Mexico in the iconic Azteca Stadium.
It has taken months of planning, a year’s worth of preparation and now, finally, England face Mexico in the last 16 tie of the World Cup. England have known since the draw was made in Washington there was a string possibility they could face Mexico in Mexico City in the last 16. So, here are the challenges – and what England have done in preparation in line with FIFA protocol.
“England face Mexico in last-16 after a year of hypobaric chambers and heat training.”
Last summer England players used hypobaric chambers, oxygen masks and heat chambers to prepare for this World Cup. They introduced state-of-the-art technology at their training camp in Girona before their end-of-season fixtures with Andorra and Senegal. It caused huge interest at the time and was clearly ahead of even where England knew where they would be based in this World Cup – or where they would play their games. Cristiano Ronaldo uses the hypobaric chambers all the time. Some England players even have them at home.
England stars were monitored by Whoop! devices given to them by FA medical and science staff. They studied data, sleep patterns and energy as well as fitness on a regular basis while consulting with clubs. When the draw was made in March, the research and contact was stepped up so that the FA staff knew exactly where every player was fitness-wise when they reported in March.
Now, look, England have caused a stir by training at Kansas City which is in the middle of the country and also having a pre-tournament base in Florida. Florida was about sweating it out, a boot camp pure and simple and adapting to the conditions. Declan Rice insisted he could notice that he was sweating less after just over a week in the United States. It was hot and humid in Florida and a real challenge – but one which the FA feel worked.
Once they got to Kansas City, it was about home comforts. Yes, it was humid and hot. But they looked at Dallas, New Jersey and other places and fancied Kansas. Nice facilities, a good location and the players have enjoyed the anonymity and being away from any drama. They have been able to fly home after every game and, unlike the Euros where they got back at 3 and 4am, they have got in at a reasonable time after every game. That is clearly going to change after Mexico – but they will fly back to Kansas City whatever the result.
After DR Congo in Atlanta, the players got back to the hotel – and many went straight out on their bikes. At the next day at open training, even those who played hit the bikes. FIFA rules state that nations have to be in the host city at least 24 hours before kick-off to train, do media duties and be at the game.
BBC Sport rank England seventh among the 16 remaining teams – behind France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Norway and Colombia. But with a year of preparation behind them, Thomas Tuchel’s men now face the ultimate test.