England’s toughest opponent ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Mexico might not just be the home crowd or the Azteca Stadium – it could also be the altitude. With Thomas Tuchel’s side preparing to play at the iconic Estadio Azteca, situated around 2,240 metres (7,350 feet) above sea level, the challenges of thinner air and reduced oxygen levels have become a major talking point ahead of Sunday’s knockout fixture.
And while England have made no suggestion that they will use it, there is one unusual aid available to them if they choose. Viagra.
The drug, more commonly associated with treating erectile dysfunction, is permitted under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules and has been studied for its potential benefits in helping athletes perform at high altitude.
WHY ARE ENGLAND USING VIAGRA?
Originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure, Viagra (sildenafil) works by widening blood vessels, particularly in the lungs, allowing blood to circulate more efficiently in low-oxygen environments. Scientists have long examined whether those effects could help athletes delay fatigue when competing at altitude.
According to WADA’s research, sildenafil does not offer a meaningful performance advantage at or near sea level and is therefore not included on its prohibited substances list. Studies have suggested it may improve exercise performance for some athletes at extreme altitudes above 3,800 metres, although evidence indicates its benefits are minimal at lower elevations such as Mexico City’s 2,240 metres.
That has not stopped teams from exploring the idea in the past. Argentine club Unión de Santa Fe reportedly used sildenafil before playing a Copa Sudamericana match in Quito, Ecuador, nearly 2,850 metres above sea level.
Tuchel has already admitted England will have little time to adapt after travelling from their base in Kansas City.
“We will go one night earlier. It makes sense. The ball will fly differently. It will fly maybe five yards more. It’s just difficult. We just need the experience,” Tuchel said earlier this week.
“The recommendation is you either go ten days before, which is too long for us, or last minute, which is not allowed.”
England have altered their travel plans by arriving in Mexico City two days before the match instead of their usual one-day schedule, hoping the extra time will help the squad acclimatise.
Altitude is only one concern.
England are also expected to receive additional security around their team hotel after Mexico supporters disrupted Ecuador’s preparations before the Round of 32 by gathering outside the hotel with fireworks, chants and revving engines late into the night. FIFA has reportedly approved enhanced security measures, including roadblocks around England’s hotel, to prevent a repeat.
HAVE FOOTBALLERS USED VIAGRA BEFORE?
The Viagra conversation is not entirely new in English football either.
Ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, reports claimed the England squad were considering using the medication to combat altitude. The Football Association later denied there had been any such discussions.
Former England striker Carlton Cole has, however, revealed he once accidentally took Viagra after being tricked by teammates during an England training camp – a prank he later joked left him “running with three legs.”
For England, though, the only thing that matters on Sunday is surviving one of the most demanding away environments in world football.
Whether the solution comes from sports science, careful planning or simply Harry Kane’s goals, Tuchel’s side know they will need every advantage they can get against the World Cup co-hosts.
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