World Cup 2026

[JohnnyShearer2.0]

8 hours ago, Verbal said:

A sports scientist I know quantified the advantage like this: England will start the game and within a few minutes will feel like they've already played an hour of football. There are probably a few things you can do to mitigate: early subs, oxygen during hydration breaks (?). But the advantage Mexican players already acclimatised will have will be huge. 

Tuchel has to be playing games when he's said they've not prepared for the high altitude. I.e. getting the England players to do specific exercises and using those fancy tents over the last few months.

They would have known about this world cup route for months. 

Would be amateurish if they didnt prepare.....

[Osvaldorama]

54 minutes ago, JohnnyShearer2.0 said:

Tuchel has to be playing games when he's said they've not prepared for the high altitude. I.e. getting the England players to do specific exercises and using those fancy tents over the last few months.

They would have known about this world cup route for months. 

Would be amateurish if they didnt prepare.....

Yep - sounds like England. 
 

The more you think about it, the more of a disgrace it is that Mexico are allowed to play every game there on a pitch that gives them a massive advantage. 
 

Oh well. If we go out, it’s been a fantastic World Cup. All the big players turned up, and every game has been filled with drama. 
We wouldn’t beat France anyway. 

[Wade Garrett]

11 hours ago, Badger said:

Yes but they wouldn’t have the same credibility as someone with a stellar management career at Birmingham and Plymouth 

And 120 caps and over 50 goals for his country.

Still it’s trendy to slag him off.  Wankers.

[adrian lord]

The African teams are getting there, challenging the old powers,  but almost every game they run out of steam towards the late stages and succumb. Fitness and mental fatigue is clearly an issue when you are playing a defensive, drilled pressing strategy that requires total concentration and discipline for 96 or even 120+minutes. 

[Football Special]

7 minutes ago, adrian lord said:

The African teams are getting there, challenging the old powers,  but almost every game they run out of steam towards the late stages and succumb. Fitness and mental fatigue is clearly an issue when you are playing a defensive, drilled pressing strategy that requires total concentration and discipline for 96 or even 120+minutes. 

Most of these African teams have core players who play in big European leagues so it shouldn't be surprising to see them competing,  Congo were good 

[TheAlehouseBrawlers]

Mexico 1970 was the first World Cup I remember (I was nearly 4 when we won it in ‘66 but no memories) so looking forward to this but may need drugs to stay awake!

[Sunglasses Ron]

13 hours ago, egg said:

Yep. Keeps dropping off. We need a CF who'll stretch their defence and pull their CB's out of shape to create space. 

13 hours ago, egg said:

When Gordon is the answer, christ knows what the question is. 

You had a shocker last night didn't you! 😅 🙌

[EssEffCee]

1 hour ago, JohnnyShearer2.0 said:

Tuchel has to be playing games when he's said they've not prepared for the high altitude. I.e. getting the England players to do specific exercises and using those fancy tents over the last few months.

They would have known about this world cup route for months. 

Would be amateurish if they didnt prepare.....

I'm pretty sure the players had some devices installed at home months back which can help. Not sure how much difference it'll make though.

[EssEffCee]

49 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

Yep - sounds like England. 
 

The more you think about it, the more of a disgrace it is that Mexico are allowed to play every game there on a pitch that gives them a massive advantage. 
 

Oh well. If we go out, it’s been a fantastic World Cup. All the big players turned up, and every game has been filled with drama. 
We wouldn’t beat France anyway. 

It's a disgrace that a host nation gets home advantage?

[JohnnyShearer2.0]

16 minutes ago, EssEffCee said:

I'm pretty sure the players had some devices installed at home months back which can help. Not sure how much difference it'll make though.

I'm of the mind that every little bit helps. So if that's the case, then good.

[Patrick Bateman]

25 minutes ago, EssEffCee said:

It's a disgrace that a host nation gets home advantage?

In my opinion, I think it's stupid having so many nations as "host" anyway, plus there are what, 3 stadiums in Mexico being used, so no, I don't think Mexico should play all their matches with the same advantage.

I'm pretty sure if it were in England, Scotland and Wales would no doubt tag on too, but England would probably open at Wembley and also play at somewhere like Old Trafford. I do think the Mexicans have TOO much of an advantage, but there we go, now watch England beat them. Right? 😂

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

1 hour ago, Osvaldorama said:

Yep - sounds like England. 
 

The more you think about it, the more of a disgrace it is that Mexico are allowed to play every game there on a pitch that gives them a massive advantage. 
 

Oh well. If we go out, it’s been a fantastic World Cup. All the big players turned up, and every game has been filled with drama. 
We wouldn’t beat France anyway. 

A disgrace? Geez, it's called home advantage. Should no world cups be allowed in hot countries too for that reason? Or cold countries? Or countries that play a different genre of music over the PA system? All seems highly unfair.

Also worth pointing out that not every Mexican player is used to living at altitude (I assume).

And after this game they wouldn't play any more games in Mexico anyway.

[Football Special]

I think anyone who has watched the games so far would make Mexico favourites,  dont think i can be bothered to stay up all night for it , possibly avoid the score and watch on catch up first thing Monday morning 

[Polaroid Saint]

Anyone that's been watching the previous four England games can clearly see Tuchel has conditioned his team EXACTLY for Mexico in the Azteca. 

Start slow, stay slow for the fast half. Don't bust your lungs trying to beat the full backs, challenge in midfield or keep up with strikers. Pass it ponderously around. Don't do much = Conserve energy and keep oxygen levels stable.

Then bring on fresher, better players and up the tempo.

It's all been masterplan.