Michael Owen explains biggest problem England will face from Mexico altitude that fans 'might not notice'

Ahead of England's round of 16 clash against Mexico, Michael Owen has pointed out a subtle yet potentially pivotal aspect of playing at high altitude that fans "might not notice or appreciate".

Earlier this week, England head coach Thomas Tuchel claimed it would be "impossible" to adapt to the altitude of Mexico's Azteca Stadium in such a short space of time.

"You play against Mexico in the Azteca, and there will be a lot, a lot, a lot of obstacles waiting for us," he said.

"The altitude will be, of course, a big disadvantage, because we cannot physically adapt to it in four days. It's just impossible and more obstacles will maybe come."

The iconic Azteca sits over 7,000 feet above sea level, which is one-and-a-half times higher than the summit of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest point.

So, how will players be impacted by the high altitude? To compensate for lower oxygen levels, the body increases heart and breathing rates, which can lead to impaired recovery and reduced endurance.

Michael Owen explains why England players will need to 'think harder' against Mexico

Of course, fatigue could play a significant factor in Sunday's game, but the thinner air can also affect the spin and movement of the ball, as pointed out by former England striker Michael Owen.

In his column for the Mail, Owen gave an insight into the potential issue.

"People sometimes laugh when players talk about the tiny details of football, but those details are everything," he began.

"If David Beckham crossed a ball to me with his right foot, I wasn't aiming my header at the corner of the goal, I was aiming a yard outside it. Why? Because I already knew how the topspin and sidespin on David's cross would react when it came off my forehead.

"If I aimed directly at the corner, I'd probably miss because it would come too far inside the post and the keeper would save it.

"The same applies when you're controlling a pass. People love the neat stripes on a freshly-cut pitch, where the grass changes colour, like at the Azteca. Footballers hate them. A ball rolling across different grains of grass moves differently. It can change direction enough to force a poor first touch.

"But the bigger issue here is the altitude, of course, and that percentage cent swing in the air that scientists talk about. It might be the difference when our defenders measure a header and it comes off the top of their head and flicks on rather than heading it out.

"All it takes is mistiming your jump or connection by a split second for this to happen," added Owen. "These are the things supporters might not notice or appreciate, but players will feel it immediately."

England will have to contend with the altitude in Mexico. Image credit: Getty

As well as what the altitude will potentially do to the body, Owen says he is "just as concerned" by the movement of the ball during Sunday's game, as players will have to think differently in terms of positioning.

"Golfers often talk about hitting the ball further at altitude because the air is thinner," added Owen.

"England will experience this at the Azteca - the ball moving differently, be that quicker or with a longer flight. The scary thought is that, for most of England's players, it will be the first time they have done so in a competitive match."