‘Well, it helped…’: England star’s reaction to taking Viagra before Mexico’s FIFA World Cup clash goes viral – Watch

England’s Jude Bellingham listens to the coach during training ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico in Mexico City, Saturday, July 4, 2026. (AP Photo) England midfielder Jordan Henderson dismissed reports that the England team was using Viagra to cope with the high altitude conditions in Mexico City ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup round match against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.The rumors emerged after reports suggested the drug could be used to help players cope with high altitude conditions. Viagra is not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), leading to speculation that some teams may consider it an aid.England head coach Thomas Tuchel was first asked about the reports during his pre-match press conference and was quick to dismiss them.“Information to support this has not reached me, so it is not true,” Tuchel told reporters.Henderson then responded lightly before making it clear he was joking.“Well, the Viagra helped, I guess… Just kidding! It was a joke,” Henderson joked.Henderson admitted outside the substitution that the England players have noticed the effect of playing at high altitude since arriving in Mexico City.“You kind of feel it, you kind of feel it. I kind of felt it, even when you just land and you come to the hotel and you’re just walking through, you feel something. And then today, in practice, for me personally, I felt like maybe in the first 10-15 minutes and then when practice started, I stopped thinking so much and just focused on the practice,” he said.England have been bracing for the conditions ahead of their knockout clash against Mexico as the Estadio Azteca sits at 2,240 meters above sea level.At this altitude, the thinner air contains less oxygen, making it difficult for players’ bodies to circulate oxygen effectively during physical activity.England face Mexico in the round of 16 and the hosts are expected to enjoy both home support and familiarity with high altitude conditions.