Tuchel laughs off reports England using viagra to counter altitude - as torrential rain strikes Mexico's Azteca Stadium
The last 16 tie in Mexico City has been plagued by disruption, with Mexican fans firing fireworks outside England's hotel and weather threatening to affect kick-off
England's Head Coach Thomas Tuchel has laughed off reports that England players are using viagra in a bid to aid acclimatisation to Mexico City's altitude ahead of Sunday night's game.
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The drug, which is commonly used to combat erectile dysfunction, can also be used to alleviate the strain on the human body caused by altitude and the notable lack of oxygen.
Responding to a question on the drug from the press, the German-born manager said with a laugh: "The information and the support didn't reach me. That is not true."
Local weather forecasts had predicted an 80 per cent chance of thunderstorms passing over the Azteca during the game, with torrential downpours already striking the city shortly after 2pm UK time.
The Three Lions' second knockout game of the tournament is scheduled to take place at 6pm local time on Sunday, July 5 (1am GMT on Monday), but the kick-off time was thrown into jeopardy on Friday amid suggestions thunderstorms could disrupt play.
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Late on Friday evening, FIFA was reported to be in discussion about moving the clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca, located 2,200 metres above sea level, causing fans to shift plans in a bid to catch the match.
However, after hours of uncertainty, FIFA reportedly made the decision to keep kick-off time as 6pm local time.
It comes as Jordan Henderson joked that England do not need Viagra to get ready for the World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico.
Reports online suggested Thomas Tuchel’s side would be able to use the drug to help combat the effects of altitude in Mexico City, which sits more than 2,000 metres above sea level.
After Tuchel declared the rumour “not true”, Henderson was later asked how his side are coping with the challenging environment and he quipped: “Well, the Viagra helped, I think… I’m joking!"
The perceived flip-flopping sparked fury among fans, with many concerned about missing the match or potential delays to play.
It comes as England received a wave of boos as they arrived in Mexico overnight, with the team's location leaking ahead of their arrival - a detail the England camp were hoping to keep under wraps.
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Due to the nature of the weather system, moving forward the kick-off time would have meant an increased chance of heavy rain during the game.
Temperatures during the game are currently expected to reach a high of 24 degrees on Sunday evening.
It comes after England’s warm-up game against Costa Rica in Orlando last month was plagued by delays after storms and persistent rain.
FIFA failed to comment on suggestions a time change may take place, nor did they reaffirm the original kick-off time.
The lack of clarity has reportedly infuriated officials from both the FA and Mexican federation - as well as fellow participants Brazil and Norway, whose matchup will take place at 9pm BST on Sunday.
It comes after Mexico's match against Ecuador earlier this week was delayed due to rain.
Other matches have also been affected by severe weather across the United States and Mexico, with a thunderstorm causing a two-hour delay during France’s 3-0 win over Iraq in Philadelphia
England too experienced weather delays ahead of the tournament during their clash against Costa Rica.
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer announced pubs can stay open until 5am on Monday morning so fans can watch the game.
MPs had called for leeway beyond the 2am extended pub opening hours already in place for England matches during the football World Cup.
The blanket extension means individual pubs do not need to apply for extended hours.As well as hundreds of Greene King and Marston’s pubs, a spokesperson for Fuller’s said that as of Friday morning 23 pubs were planning to stay open.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has slammed timing of the Government’s decision.
In a joint statement, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, NPCC lead for football policing, and Acting Chief Constable Scott Green, NPCC lead for alcohol licensing and harm reduction, said the “late announcement” meant forces having to adapt plans and take officers away from communities.
They also asked England fans to be considerate to others and drink “sensibly” during the game.