‘It’s karma’: Thomas Tuchel backs England to rewrite Aztec history 40 years after Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’

England head coach Thomas Tuchel (AP Photo) England manager Thomas Tuchel believes fate could finally be in his favor when he returns to the iconic Azteca Stadium, insisting “it’s karma” as the Three Lions prepare to face co-hosts Mexico in a high-stakes World Cup round of 16 clash.Forty years after Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal helped Argentina knock out England at the same venue during the 1986 World Cup, Tuchel says history could be made on Sunday.England will not only face a passionate home crowd, but also the daunting challenge of playing at an altitude of more than 7,300 feet (2,200 metres) above sea level, where Mexico boast an unbeaten record of 10 World Cup appearances across three tournaments.

“It’s Karma” as England return to Azteca

Despite acknowledging the huge challenge posed by the altitude, Tuchel struck a confident note when asked about England’s return to one of football’s most historic stadiums.“We’ll get it back. It’s karma,” Tuchel said. “Karma will come back for us. We will turn it around.”The German coach admitted there was little England could do to prepare physically for the conditions.“I understand that we can’t adjust to the altitude. That’s just a huge advantage that Mexico will have,” Tuchel said. “It will take too much time.Sports scientists generally recommend at least two weeks of acclimatization for athletes competing at high altitude, a luxury England do not have after settling in Kansas City after a pre-tournament camp in Florida.Instead, Tuchel will be hoping his players can overcome the conditions with tactical discipline and mental toughness.

Hydration breaks could be crucial

With the altitude set to test both teams, Tuchel believes hydration breaks could once again become a valuable tactical tool.England made good use of the stoppage during their Round of 32 victory over DR Congo, recovering from an early setback to claim a 2-1 win.“I’m making the most of it,” Tuchel said. “You know I don’t really love them. I enjoy football more when it’s played with momentum, but of course they’re here and why wouldn’t I try to use them?”The Azteca remains one of England’s most painful World Cup venues after Maradona’s memorable quarter-final performance in 1986, when he scored the controversial “Hand of God” goal before scoring one of the greatest solo goals in the tournament’s history.Now, four decades later, England have the chance to make happier memories at the famous stadium.