England face Mexico in the World Cup Round of 16 with another unusual issue now surrounding their preparations.
Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the last 16 after beating DR Congo 2-1, but the quick turnaround has left them with little time to adjust.
The match will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The stadium sits around 2,240 metres above sea level. And that creates a major challenge for visiting teams.
Tuchel has already admitted England cannot fully adapt to the altitude in time. The thinner air can reduce oxygen levels and make players feel tired earlier than usual. That has brought Viagra into the conversation before the match.
According to talkSPORT, England players would be allowed to use the drug because it does not appear on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list.
There is no suggestion that England plan to use it. However, Viagra remains permitted because WADA does not class sildenafil as a banned substance.
The drug is best known for treating erectile dysfunction, but it was first developed as a treatment for high blood pressure.
It can widen blood vessels in the lungs and help reduce pressure caused by altitude. Research has looked at whether sildenafil can help athletes perform at high altitude.
However, WADA has not found enough evidence to ban it, especially at lower levels near sea level. The FA has dealt with similar questions before.
Before the 2010 World Cup, reports claimed England could use Viagra in South Africa. However, the FA denied those claims and said there had been no discussion about using the drug.
England will now focus on Mexico rather than the unusual medical debate. Tuchel’s side face a difficult test against the tournament co-hosts, who have yet to concede a goal at the World Cup.
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