Marcus Rashford warns England of Mexico altitude edge before World Cup quarter‑final

England striker Marcus Rashford said Mexico’s high altitude – 2,240 m above sea level – gives the host team a home advantage in their upcoming World Cup quarter‑final. He noted that thinner air reduces oxygen for players and makes the ball travel faster, but added that “altitude, obviously, is a factor but it’s not something we worry about”. England midfielder Morgan Rogers echoed the view, saying the conditions would be a variable the team must manage.

The match will be played at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a stadium that hosted the 1966 final and can hold about 87,000 spectators. Historically Mexico rarely loses at home – only two defeats in 89 matches – and they have won all four of their tournament games on home soil so far.

A storm may force a slight schedule shift, with the game currently set for early Monday morning (03:00 Finland time). Rashford also addressed speculation about his club future, confirming his contract with Manchester United runs to 2028 and that a loan move to Barcelona has not become permanent.