[Saba Sports News] In the Round of 16 of the World Cup, England will lock horns with hosts Mexico. Ahead of the fixture, The Sun reported that England’s players could use Viagra to combat altitude sickness. Anti-doping regulations permit the Three Lions to take the drug to cope with high-altitude conditions at the World Cup. This prescription medicine is not included on WADA’s 2026 Prohibited List. Research indicates it alleviates fatigue and dizziness triggered by high elevation by lowering pulmonary blood pressure. There is no evidence so far that England’s players actually plan to take Viagra ahead of their trip to Mexico City. Nevertheless, head coach Thomas Tuchel will explore every viable method to help his squad adapt to the harsh venue conditions. Estadio Azteca sits more than 2,200 metres above sea level. At such altitude, the ball travels further through thinner air, and intense running across the pitch becomes significantly more taxing physically.
The editor believes that Mexican players are fully acclimatised to high-altitude conditions. They have lost only two matches at Estadio Azteca over the past 56 years. Playing against Mexico on their highland home turf will subject England to immense pressure.