Tuchel laughs off Viagra reports, says players won’t take it for Mexico showdown

England manager Thomas Tuchel has denied suggestions that his players could use Viagra to combat the effects of altitude in Sunday's World Cup round of 16 tie against Mexico.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Saturday, Tuchel was asked directly about reports linking the drug to England's preparations for the game at the Estadio Azteca.

“The information to support it didn't reach me, so that's not true,” Tuchel said with a laugh.

Earlier, several British outlets had suggested England could explore sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, given it does not appear on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned substances list.

A 2006 study had found the drug improved cardiovascular and exercise performance among trained cyclists at high altitude, owing to its effect on blood flow.

The Estadio Azteca sits roughly 7,220 feet above sea level, a factor widely seen as a challenge for European sides unaccustomed to such conditions.

This is not the first time England have had to address speculation over Viagra use at a World Cup. Ahead of the 2010 tournament in South Africa, the FA issued a statement denying any plans to use the drug.

That statement said the England medical staff were researching various options but confirmed there had been no discussion of Viagra specifically.

On team news, Tuchel confirmed defender Jarell Quansah had trained fully and was available for selection after recovering from an ankle problem.

"You saw that Jarell trained, Jarell trained fully, is fully available," Tuchel said.

Reece James remains a doubt due to a hamstring issue and will be assessed before Sunday's match.

"Reece can maybe make it onto the bench, he needs a last assessment from the doctors and medical opinion if this makes sense," Tuchel added.

Both Quansah and James missed England's previous round win over DR Congo.