Thomas Tuchel claims Fifa rule puts England at ‘huge’ disadvantage in Mexico City altitude

• FA’s preferred acclimatisation option ruled out

• Tuchel reveals Declan Rice came off ‘in terrible pain’

Thomas Tuchel says England will be at a “huge” disadvantage in the high altitude of Mexico City on Sunday when they face Mexico in the last 16 of the World Cup as he lamented a Fifa rule that has shut down one possible acclimatisation plan.

The Football Association has looked into how the altitude will affect the England players and spoken to teams from other sports as part of its research. They included the British Olympic team. One of the findings is that if it is not possible to travel to the venue 10 days beforehand to get used to the conditions, then it would be preferable to go on the day of the game – arriving as close to kick-off as possible.

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