Marcus Rashford dismisses England altitude concerns ahead of Mexico World Cup clash - 'You make too much of everything'

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Marcus Rashford has claimed that the media "make too much of everything" amid concerns about England's ability to play at high altitude in Sunday's 2026 World Cup last-16 clash with co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

‘We’ll be ready’ - Rogers unfazed by England-Mexico kick-off change

Video credit: SNTV

Manager Thomas Tuchel has previously said that adjusting to the altitude, at 7,220ft (2,240m) above sea level, would be "impossible", and that England would simply have to cope with the "disadvantage".

But forward Rashford, who spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, claimed England cannot use the environment as an excuse.

"It doesn't matter," he said in a press conference. "It's a game of football at the end of the day, and it might be a small adjustment that we need to make.

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"But, in the end, it doesn't change our outlook on the game, and what we're trying to do. Whatever happens, however the game plays out, we're going to try to come out on top."

Asked if the media have made too much of the altitude in Mexico City, Rashford added: "Yeah, but you make too much of everything.

"Listen, it's a game of football. We've all been playing football since we were kids, and we've played in different environments, different atmospheres, some easier than others, some terrible to play in and disgusting.

"But it's up to us to try and find a way to come out on top. And that's what the focus is.

"Sometimes you need the player next to you, and the player next to him. But listen, it is all the same. We have to work together, work as a unit and try to bring as close to our best as we can, and we'll be fine."

Mexico have a formidable record at the Azteca, only losing two of 89 competitive matches at the stadium since it opened in 1966.

Their latest win there came in the last 32 against Ecuador, who had to deal with fireworks being set off outside their team hotel the night before the 2-0 defeat.

Tuchel said England will be prepared for such an eventuality, and FIFA have granted permission to put up security barriers around the team hotel.

The FA have attempted to keep the location of the hotel secret, but there are still concerns that vocal Mexico supporters could disrupt their preparations.

Asked about that possibility, attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers said: "I'm not concerned about it at the moment, but I won't be happy if it wakes me up, I'll be honest.

"We'll see how it goes, and we'll deal with it as best as possible.

"It's just another obstacle to overcome, another thing to get over, another hurdle. But we're ready, we've heard about it, and we're best prepared as we can to be ready and get enough sleep and recovery for the game."

On whether he has a pair of ear plugs, Rogers added: "No, but I might need to invest in some."

Adverse weather conditions could also be significant, with reports that the game could be moved forward six hours because of possible storms in Mexico City.

That could mean a kick-off time of 19:00 UK time on Sunday, rather than the originally scheduled 01:00 kick-off time on Monday morning.

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