Media discuss use of stimulants to counter altitude effects for England team
Ahead of the Round of 16 match at the Estadio Azteca, English media have cited the possibility of using sildenafil to help players adapt to high-altitude conditions.
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England's preparation for their World Cup Round of 16 clash against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca has taken an unusual turn. English outlet talkSPORT has highlighted Viagra as a potential alternative for mitigating the effects of altitude on the players. Despite the speculation, there is no indication that the squad led by Thomas Tuchel intends to use the medication ahead of the match.
The debate arose after Tuchel admitted that England faces a significant disadvantage due to their inability to acclimatize to Mexico City's 2,240-meter elevation. According to the coach, the tight turnaround between matches prevents proper physiological adaptation, forcing the team to contend with the conditions during the game itself.
Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list. Originally developed for treating hypertension, it works by dilating blood vessels, which can improve lung circulation in high-altitude environments. However, studies reviewed by WADA indicate that performance benefits are negligible at lower altitudes, with significant physical improvements typically only appearing at heights exceeding 3,800 meters.
This topic is not new to football. In 2019, Argentine club Union de Santa Fe used the drug as part of their preparation for a match in Quito, Ecuador. Similarly, ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, rumors suggested the England staff were considering it, though the Football Association (FA) denied these claims at the time, stating they were merely researching various adaptation methods.