England face Mexico at the World Cup on Sunday at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where altitude and history shape the challenge. The stadium sits more than 7,300 feet (2,200 metres) above sea level and also hosted Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal against England in 1986.

With little time to adapt, England are set to face conditions that favour co-host Mexico, who are unbeaten in 10 World Cup games at the stadium across three tournaments. England coach Thomas Tuchel said, “My understanding is that we cannot adapt to the altitude. That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have,” adding, “It just takes too much time.”

Sports scientists usually advise at least two weeks to adjust to high altitude, or a late arrival close to kick-off before acute symptoms begin. England arrived early in the United States and held a training camp in Florida to prepare for the heat at this year’s World Cup, before flying to Mexico from Kansas City on Friday.

Hydration breaks and England’s recent win

Tuchel said the much-criticised hydration breaks could matter again. He used them to help England change the flow of their round of 32 match against Congo, after falling behind early before winning 2-1. “I make the most of it,” Tuchel said. “You know that I don’t really love them, I enjoy football more when it plays out with momentum… but of course they are here and why would I not try to take advantage?”

The Azteca also holds painful memories for England. Argentina beat the 1966 champions there in the quarterfinals 40 years ago, in a match marked by Maradona’s two famous goals. One was scored with his hand, and the other came after a solo run from halfway before he beat goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Tuchel said, “We will get it back. It’s karma,” adding, “Karma will come back for us. We will turn it around.”