England received potential injury relief ahead of their upcoming World Cup match against Mexico, with key players Reece James and Declan Rice expected to be available for selection. England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that both players, who had been carrying hamstring concerns, appeared likely to feature in Monday’s fixture at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium.

Rice sustained a hamstring injury during England’s 2-1 victory over DR Congo last Wednesday, prompting concerns about his fitness. Meanwhile, James, who has been sidelined for the last two matches due to a similar issue, underwent medical scans that returned positive results, indicating he may be fit to play.

The match against Mexico will mark a challenging encounter, given the venue’s high altitude of over 7,300 feet. The reduced oxygen levels at the Azteca Stadium present a significant physical challenge, potentially affecting stamina and performance. To mitigate altitude-related fatigue, there has been discussion around the use of medications like Viagra, which can dilate blood vessels and enhance oxygen delivery. Notably, this drug is not listed as prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Tuchel’s squad will need to manage these physical demands carefully as they prepare to face Mexico’s team in what promises to be a demanding Group B match. Both James and Rice’s availability provides a boost to England’s midfield and defensive options as they aim to maintain their strong start in the tournament.