England players will be allowed to use viagra for World Cup clash with Mexico
England only just scrapped past DR Congo in the World Cup earlier this week but the FA might just have a bizarre plan to make the team a bit more rock solid in defence.
Late goals from Harry Kane spared the Three Lions an embarrassing exit in the round of 32 but things will step up a notch on Sunday night, when Thomas Tuchel's side travel to face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
It's not been a happy hunting ground for England, or any other team, in the past, with Mexico only losing twice there in their history.
Diego Maradona scored his infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England there and while we shouldn't see any dubious handballs, the altitude is set to be a serious problem.
Advert
Tuchel has already mentioned that 'huge disadvantage' in the build-up, since the stadium is a massive 7,349 feet above sea level, and it's going to be tricky for the players to adapt.
The German manager said: "I'm not sure we are ready, because it's a huge disadvantage for us because Mexico play there since the tournament started and they have adapted to the altitude.
"We don't have enough time to adapt. It's a big disadvantage and I'm not sure if we get a lot of other disadvantages.
"I'm not sure if the travel will be smooth, if the sleep will be smooth, if there's noise outside the hotel. OK, bring it on.
"It's a very beautiful and exciting fixture. There will be lots of obstacles, but this team will be ready whatever it takes."
However, the FA might just have a trick up its sleeve ahead of the fixture, thanks to a medication which can help to treat high blood pressure, among other things.
Believe it or not, viagra was initially designed to do just that, as it helps to widen the blood vessels in the lungs which can be crucial when trying to adjust to high altitude.
Since it could feasibly help to counteract the early fatigue and dizziness caused by high altitudes, which has probably been a factor in Mexico winning very game to nil so far, there's genuinely a world where England could consider it, especially since it wouldn't be classified as doping.
However, back in 2009 as England prepared for the World Cup in South Africa, the FA came out to confirm that they wouldn't be using viagra that summer. Maybe they should have done, since we got battered by Germany in the first knockout game.
An FA spokesman said: "The England medical staff are conducting detailed research with a variety of experts ahead of next year's World Cup.
"However, there has been no discussion with regard to Viagra and certainly no plans for the players to take it in South Africa at the tournament."
While fans might be excited about getting up to watch the game, we wouldn't want the players to be overly excited when on our screens, especially after Tuchel told parents to let the kids stay up and watch.
Either way, England need to find a way to deal with the altitude and since hard tackles are a common sight in World Cup football, perhaps we shouldn't be ruling this option out.
James Moorhouse