Jordan Henderson has made light of wild rumours suggesting England would use Viagra to help combat the altitude in their last-16 clash against Mexico.
England’s World Cup campaign continues in the early hours of Monday morning, with headlines readily focused on the fixture being played 2,200 metres above sea level.
To that end, wild rumours, including from talkSPORT, suggested that Thomas Tuchel’s side could use Viagra to combat the effects at the Azteca Stadium as it is not on the banned substance list.
Henderson, who joined Tuchel in pre-match media duties, made sure to poke fun at the suggestion when he was asked how the team are coping with the altitude in Mexico.
“Well, the Viagra helped! I’m joking…it’s a joke,” he quipped.
Na coletiva de imprensa antes do jogo contra o México, um repórter perguntou para Jordan Henderson se era verdade que os jogadores ingleses estava usando viagra por causa da altitude.
??@TNTSportsBR pic.twitter.com/cUwOpucwLe
— LIBERTA DEPRE (@liberta___depre) July 5, 2026
He then turned more serious, adding: “The gaffer’s spot on, as players we are very adaptable, really, and just get on with things.
“We just come here to do our job, and that’s to be the best version of ourselves, to be together, to compete, to give everything for each other and the nation back home.”
It was a bizarre rumour that stems from the questions over whether England’s players can sustain a performance with a lower concentration of oxygen, which will affect their stamina.
Viagra is best known for treating erectile dysfunction, but it also helps widen blood vessels, which can improve circulation and counteract fatigue at high altitude.
When it was put to Tuchel if the rumours were true, he laughed off the suggestion, saying: “The information and support didn’t reach me! That is not true.”
Liverpool do not have any current players representing England in this summer’s tournament, but ex-Reds Henderson and Jarell Quansah are expected to both be named in the squad.