England midfielder Jordan Henderson joked about his teammates needing Viagra ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 clash against Mexico in the Azteca Stadium. Reports suggested Thomas Tuchels side would be permitted to use the drug to help combat the effects of altitude in Mexico City, which sits more than 7,000ft above sea level.However, Tuchel insisted the rumour about his players using the medication was not true, while Henderson, when asked how England are coping with the environment, quipped: Well, the Viagra helped, I think Im joking!Henderson, who has so far made one appearance as a substitute at this summers tournament, said that players are very adaptable and just get on with things. He added: We just come here to do our job, and thats to be the best version of ourselves, to be together, to compete, to give everything for each other and the nation back home, to make them proud and to try to win a football game.Everything that we cant influence, like kick-off times or altitude or stuff at the hotel, is not in our control, so we just have to find solutions, which were pretty good at.So for us its about full focus on our job ahead, no excuses.Were ready to go and we want to come here and be the best version of ourselves tomorrow, and if we do that then well have a good chance of winning.England hoping to exorcise demons of 1986Englands trip to the Azteca Stadium will be their first for 40 years. The last time they took to the field in the iconic venue was in the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina in 1986 when two goals from Diego Maradona one brilliant, the other the infamous Hand of God saw England eliminated from the tournament. The issue of altitude and its impact on the body has dominated the headlines leading up to this game the first meeting between England and a World Cup host nation since Italy in 1990. Tuchel admitted that he has already felt the effects of being so high above sea level, but insisted his players would be ready for the challenge of inflicting on their hosts what would be just a third-ever competitive defeat at the Azteca. Topics England National Football Team Jordan Henderson Mexico National Football Team World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Thomas Tuchel admits feeling the impact of Mexico City altitude ahead of World Cup clash 101 GreatGoals 5th July, 2026 Kylian Mbappe: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full France squad Ben Miller 5th July, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finals Ben Miller 5th July, 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026: Full France fixtures, results, schedule, confirmed squad, next match, kick off times Ben Miller 5th July, 2026 World Cup 2026: France 1-0 Paraguay Report, result, goals as Kylian Mbappe moves above Lionel Messi among top scorers with penalty to set up Morocco tie and Albirroja are branded disgrace Ben Miller 5th July, 2026 World Cup 2026 live: Irritated Kylian Mbappe shoves opponent as exceptional Paraguay get under skin of France in last-16 tie Ben Miller 5th July, 2026
