No pills, no peace? England deny Viagra claims as rowdy Mexican fans ruin sleep
If Thomas Tuchel’s main aim when taking up the England job was to immerse himself in the uniquely chaotic theater of the national team, then 48 hours in the Mexican capital provided the ultimate crash course. Ahead of their high-stakes World Cup round of 16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at the intimidating Azteca Stadium, two distinct distractions dominated England’s preparations: an overnight blockade by hostile local supporters and a bizarre series of questions about the team’s medical itinerary.
The physiological challenge of playing at 2,240 meters above sea level was the central tactical story of England’s knockout campaign. Yet the pre-match press conference veered from the scientific to the surreal when Tuchel was asked directly if his players were using sildenafil, more commonly known as Viagra, to combat the effects of altitude-induced hypoxia.
The theory itself is rooted in actual sports science; the drug is a known vasodilator that can widen the blood vessels in the lungs, allowing for better absorption of oxygen in the thin air. As it is completely legal under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, there have been rumors that the Football Association’s medical staff have made it available to the team.
Tuchel, however, took the question with the wry amusement of a man well-versed in the idiosyncrasies of the English press.
“It is true that you are using Viagra to reduce the effects of altitude, that is the information that has come out, it is indeed true,” the England boss was asked at the pre-match press conference.
“The information and the support didn’t reach me,” Tuchel replied, smiling widely over the top table before adding the definitive: “That’s not true.” Both Tuchel and Henderson denied England players were using Viagra to deal with high altitude in Mexico City (Reuters photo)
The banter has also extended to the squad, which will face Mexico’s surreal record at Azteca – they haven’t lost here since 2013.
Jordan Henderson, sitting next to his manager, also saw a funny side when asked how the team coped with the Azteca’s unique atmospheric challenges.
“Well, Viagra helps,” Henderson joked with a deadpan delivery, letting the line hang for a moment before becoming enraged and adding, “Just kidding.”
MEXICO FANS AGAIN
However, behind the frivolity lies a much more hostile reality on the ground. Realizing that the thin air was Mexico’s 12th man, the local supporters tried to ensure that the England team was further depleted by lack of sleep. A vociferous contingent of Mexico fans discovered the location of the supposedly confidential England team hotel and maintained a relentless acoustic attack outside the building, using car horns, chants and firecrackers.
It’s a well-rehearsed guerrilla tactic; were the same methods successfully deployed against Ecuador at the start of the tournament so the team was visibly tired on match day. In an attempt to avoid a similar fate, the FA’s security department, in conjunction with local authorities, ordered a complete lockdown of the area.
A heavy contingent of police cordoned off the streets around the hotel and set up a tight security perimeter to push back the rowdy Mexico fans and give Tuchel’s men a vital night of undisturbed rest.
Complete lockdown in Mexico City!
Security has completely blocked off the streets around the England Hotel to ensure a quiet night’s rest before the big game against Mexico. pic.twitter.com/XpYi4cY7EG— Ultras Clips (@ultras_clips) July 5, 2026
When the whistle blows on Azteca, the jokes stop. Tuchel knows his side face a twin battle against a partisan crowd and a punishing climate.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
05 Jul 2026 16:46 IST