Thomas Tuchel: 'Impossible' for England to adapt to Mexico altitude at World Cup - ESPN

ATLANTA — Thomas Tuchel has said it is «impossible» for England to adapt to the altitude ahead of Sunday's round-of-16 World Cup clash with Mexico in Mexico City.

The Three Lions set up a meeting with the World Cup co-hosts after coming from behind to beat Congo DR 2-1 in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Brian Cipenga's seventh-minute strike handed Congo DR a shock early lead but Harry Kane struck twice in the final 15 minutes to move past Brazilian legend Pelé onto 13 World Cup goals, including five at this tournament.

Mexico have played all their matches at the Azteca Stadium, which is located around 2,240 meters (7,220 feet) above sea level, while England are based in Kansas City and travelling to each locations.

Sources have told ESPN they return to Kansas later on Wednesday and will fly to Mexico City on Friday afternoon.

«I'm just coming from this match, and trying to enjoy, but it is maybe one of the most beautiful fixtures, most exciting fixtures than you can have,» Tuchel said of England's round-of-16 clash.

«You play against Mexico in the Azteca, and there will be a lot, a lot, a lot of obstacles waiting for us.

»Not to mention the altitude will be, of course, a big disadvantage, because we cannot physically adapt to it in four days. It's just impossible and more obstacles will maybe come.

«But we are ready for that, we need it maybe. We have the ideal platform now to genuinely believe that we are ready for that, and when the going gets tough, that we will find the answers.»

Ecuador made an official complaint to FIFA after fireworks were let off outside their team hotel in Mexico City the night before they lost 2-0 to Mexico.

«I'm not sure if the travel will be smooth, if the sleep will be smooth, if there's noise outside