Image Credit: @england
England’s preparations for their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 showdown against Mexico have taken an unexpected turn, with reports confirming that the squad has been given medical clearance to use sildenafil, better known by its brand name, Viagra.
Sildenafil was originally developed to treat heart and lung conditions before becoming widely known as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. The drug relaxes blood vessels and can improve blood flow through the lungs, potentially helping the body cope with reduced oxygen levels at high altitude.
Image Credit: @england
Mexico City sits more than 2,200 metres above sea level, where the thinner air has left many visiting teams gasping for breath over the years. England’s medical staff are simply exploring every legal option available to help the players cope with the conditions.
Ironically, Viagra wasn’t even created for the purpose that made it famous. It was originally developed to treat heart and blood vessel conditions, and one of its effects is helping blood vessels relax, potentially allowing oxygen to move more efficiently through the body at high altitude.
In other words, England isn’t trying to raise eyebrows; they’re trying to raise oxygen levels.
It may be the first time in football history that the biggest pre-match talking point isn’t England’s formation, Mexico’s attack or who starts up front; it’s a pill that became famous for helping erections stay up, now being discussed for helping footballers keep up.
