Three Lions face a mixture of pollution and thin air in breathtaking challenge to progress

ALTITUDE is not the only problem for England at the Azteca Stadium - they will also have to deal with the pollution.

- RYAN TAYLOR

A notorious smog and a strong stench of diesel combine to fill the Mexico City air.

Thankfully, the latest air quality reading provided by the Directorate of Atmospheric Monitoring in Coyoacan, the borough which includes the Azteca, described recent levels as "good" just a matter of weeks ago.

It was progress, because in the opening 48 days of 2026, Mexico City had only three days of "acceptable" air quality.

Former Colombia midfielder Franky Oviedo (right) spent four years playing for Club America, who play their home matches at the Azteca, and admits both the altitude the stadium is 2,240m [7,350ft] above sea level and pollution will be a nightmare for Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions to combat.