England coach Thomas Tuchel expressed concern over his team's ability to adapt to Mexico City's high altitude before their World Cup last-16 clash. Harry Kane's brace secured England's passage to the Azteca Stadium, situated around 7,200 feet above sea level, where thinner air poses a significant physiological challenge. This lack of preparation contrasts sharply with Mexico's acclimatization.

Tuchel stated that England's three-day turnaround between matches makes physical adaptation to the altitude "physically just not possible." He highlighted this as a "huge advantage" for the Mexican side, who have already played multiple games at similar elevations. This environmental factor is expected to play a considerable role in the upcoming knockout fixture.

Mexico has played three of their four World Cup games at the Azteca and another in Guadalajara, a city also at a high elevation. Their familiarity with these conditions gives them a distinct edge over an England side arriving with minimal time to adjust. The coach acknowledged these obstacles but stressed his team's readiness to confront them.

England will face Mexico on Monday, July 6th, in a match where the thin air of the Azteca Stadium is set to be a defining element. The team must overcome this environmental hurdle to advance further in the tournament.