Asked at England training on Friday about the possibility of the game being postponed, striker Marcus Rashford said the change was “not ideal” but the team would deal with it.
“I think for us it’s the same as how we prepare for a game,” he said. “It should be the same.
“We have to be focused. We must be prepared for anything. I think that’s one of our strengths as a group.”
“Everyone, including the players and staff… we are ready for any challenge that is thrown at us. So obviously it’s not ideal, but it doesn’t really matter.”
The lead-up to Sunday’s match was dominated by talk about Mexico’s record at Estadio Azteca and how England’s players would cope with the altitude.
The arena is located 7,220 feet (2,240 m) above sea level, and Mexico has lost only twice in 89 matches at this iconic stadium.
At this altitude, the Earth’s barometric pressure is lower, which makes the air thinner and means that less oxygen enters the blood with each breath.
Even for professional football players, this has potentially significant consequences – increased heart rate, shortness of breath, dehydration, and fatigue faster and more severely.
The match was due to start in the early evening with temperatures forecast to be around 20°C.
However, temperatures are expected to peak around 26C by early afternoon, theoretically making conditions even more challenging.