England’s upcoming Round of 16 World Cup match against Mexico has received a beneficial change as the kickoff time has been rescheduled earlier. This adjustment comes as a relief to the Three Lions, who were facing challenges due to the high altitude of 7,200 feet in Mexico City.
FIFA informed the FA that the kickoff time would be moved from 6pm local time on Sunday to 12pm, which is 7pm UK time. The decision was made to avoid potential delays caused by thunderstorms forecasted for Sunday evening.
To combat the effects of playing at the high altitude of the Azteca stadium, England had initially planned to delay their arrival in Mexico City. However, the revised schedule now allows for a shorter exposure to the altitude, reducing the impact of oxygen reduction on the players.
According to human performance expert Steve Magness, the change in kickoff time could benefit the England team by minimizing the negative effects of altitude. Despite the adjustment, Magness acknowledged that playing at high altitude remains a challenging task for the players.
The England squad is mentally preparing for the intimidating atmosphere at the Azteca stadium and the potential hostility outside their hotel. Manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the difficulty of adapting to the high altitude in a short time frame but expressed confidence in the team’s readiness to face the challenge.
In the event of lightning strikes near the stadium, safety rules dictate a 30-minute delay for each occurrence. FIFA regulations allow for match rescheduling or relocation based on safety concerns or unforeseen circumstances.
Players such as Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford are focused on overcoming any obstacles, including potential changes to kickoff times, emphasizing the team’s readiness and adaptability. Tuchel acknowledged the numerous challenges awaiting the team in Mexico and remains optimistic about their ability to navigate through them.
