Jordan Henderson spoke alongside England boss Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup game against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, which is famously at a high altitude
21:08, 05 Jul 2026
Jordan Henderson during a World Cup press conference.
Jordan Henderson during a World Cup press conference.(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA via Getty Images)
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has laughed off suggestions that England could use Viagra to help cope with the high altitude against Mexico.
The Three Lions are set to play at the Azteca Stadium later today, with little chance to acclimate. It had been suggested by some that Viagra could be a useful method of dealing with the physical pressures of playing well above sea level.
Given that Mexico has been playing its game in the stadium all tournament, it is already used to the conditions, which could be a major advantage for the co-host over England.
"Well, the Viagra helped!" Henderson quipped when he was asked about preparations, before quickly adding: "I'm joking... it’s a joke."
"The gaffer’s spot on... as players we are very adaptable, really, and just get on with things," Henderson added.
"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."
When it was put to Tuchel if the rumors of Viagra were true, he also laughed off the suggestion, saying: "The information and support didn’t reach me! That is not true."
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JULY 04: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, and Jordan Henderson #14 of England speak to the media during a press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England on July 04, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel and Jordan Henderson #14 of England speak to the media during a press conference ahead of the World Cup 2026 round of 16 between Mexico and England(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
In addition to coping with the conditions, England must also cope with Reece James, who is injured. Jarell Quansah is the favorite to stand in at full-back.
"I wouldn't start Declan Rice at right-back," Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports. "I think England have got a slim chance of going all the way in the World Cup, but I don't think playing Rice at right-back from now to the end of the tournament would be the solution.
"I think you'd leave yourself so empty in midfield. I thought Elliot Anderson, in the one game Declan Rice wasn't in there, found it tough dealing with the opposition's counter-attacks — and that was against moderate opposition as well. So, for me, Declan Rice would be in midfield.
"Thomas Tuchel's got a decision to make. I think a lot of the criticism Djed Spence has had on the back of the last game is a little bit over the top.
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"He didn't have his best game, but I don't think anyone's come out of this tournament so far besides Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane with flying colors, to be totally honest.
"I think a lot of the problems that arose in the last game were not so much of the back four; it was how easy it was to get at the back four.
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"We know we haven't got an abundance of world-class players defensively; that's probably the weak area of our team, but there was a lot wrong with England in that first 20 minutes, half an hour, as to how easy it was to get at the back four.
"Lots of work on for England; it's not just about the right-back position, but I wouldn't be putting Declan Rice there at all."