England unconcerned by altitude, atmosphere ahead of Mexico World Cup tie

KANSAS CITY – England are not shying away from the formidable task awaiting them at the Azteca Stadium on July 5, saying they welcome the challenges posed by altitude, a hostile atmosphere and the high stakes of a World Cup last-16 showdown against hosts Mexico.

With fears that Mexico supporters could seek to disrupt England's preparations and the fact that the hosts are conditioned to play at a lung-busting 2,200 metres above sea level, the match is shaping up to be one of the toughest for the Three Lions.

Thomas Tuchel’s side, however, insist they would not have it any other way.

“The build-up and everything around it, the different obstacles we have to face, I think just adds to that kind of adrenaline,” attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers told reporters on July 3 before the team departed for Mexico.

“That kind of excitement that you have as a team, and the prospects of getting to a quarter-final of a World Cup, and what that means to us as players, as well.

“With that extra bit on top, I think it’s a great occasion.

“Of course, we know the difficulties, how well they’re playing, the atmosphere, and all of that... But we know that if we’re at our best, we can beat pretty much anyone.”

Mexico stormed into the knockout phase unbeaten and without conceding a goal, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory when they beat Ecuador in the round of 32.

Striker Marcus Rashford brushed aside suggestions that the altitude and atmosphere could prove decisive.

“It’s a game of football. We’ve all been playing football since we were kids and we’ve played in different environments, atmospheres, some easier than others, some terrible to play in, and disgusting,” he said.

“It’s up to us to try and find a way to come out on top, and that’s what the focus is... We have to work together and try to bring as close to our best as we can, and we'll be fine.”

FIFA had considered moving the start time forward as severe weather, including a risk of flooding in Mexico City, threatens to disrupt the schedule, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

FIFA had spoken with the Mexican and English football federations, but the match will kick off at its originally scheduled time following discussions.

“We’ll be ready regardless of the time, earlier probably the better, because you want to play it,” Rogers said. “I think if we were thinking about what’s going to happen... you just want to play the game.”

England have also been preparing for the possibility of off-field distractions, after Ecuador complained to FIFA that players were kept awake before their round-of-32 match by a gathering of fans outside their hotel.

“I’m not concerned about it at the moment, but I won’t be happy if it wakes me up,” added Rogers, who joked that he might have to invest in earplugs. “We’ve heard about it, and we’ll be ready, best prepared as we can to be ready and get enough sleep and recovery for the game.”

The prospect of facing Mexico at a packed Azteca has only added to the anticipation.

“I'm expecting an unbelievable atmosphere... We’re going to enjoy the occasion, enjoy what it brings, the adversity, everything going against us, and use that to our advantage,” Rogers said.

If England must overcome all these issues, Mexico face the daunting task of containing their talisman Harry Kane.

The Bayern Munich striker’s two goals against DR Congo took his tournament tally to five and his World Cup total to 13, surpassing Pele and extending his record as England’s leading scorer in the tournament.

Kane has scored 72 goals for club and country this season, a tally bettered only by Lionel Messi’s 82 in the 2011-12 campaign for Barcelona and Argentina. REUTERS