Tom Reid here, and I've got a right old kerfuffle brewing in the England camp. Manager Thomas Tuchel is fuming about a FIFA rule that's set to give Mexico a significant advantage at the World Cup last-16 showdown on Sunday. The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City looms large, its high altitude (2,240 metres) casting a shadow over English hopes.
Tuchel's team has done their homework, consulting with experts from the British Olympic squad to find ways to mitigate the effects of altitude. Two strategies stood out: either arrive at the venue 10 days in advance or travel on the day of the match as close to kick-off as possible. But no chance, thanks to FIFA's regulations. England is now forced to fly into Mexico City on Friday afternoon, rather than following their preferred plan.
Meanwhile, Mexico has been acclimatised to the conditions, having played three of its four tournament games at the Azteca Stadium. It's a different story for Tuchel's team, who will be feeling the effects of altitude like never before. "The recommendation is you either go 10 days before – which is too long for us – or last minute, which isn't allowed," he pointed out. And when asked if it was fair, he gave a resounding "no". This one's a huge advantage to Mexico, no question.
Despite the challenges, Tuchel's not one to shy away from adversity. He noted that having an extra day in Mexico City compared to previous matches might just give his team a slight edge – and who knows, maybe the ball will fly a bit more erratically in the thin air!
But there are concerns back home, too. Declan Rice is battling through a hamstring nerve issue, which he's been nursing since the opening game against Croatia. Will he be fit for the Mexico clash? Tuchel seems to think so, but it's anyone's guess how his team will cope with the altitude – and the Mexican fans' pyrotechnics outside their hotel, no less.