If England are worried about altitude vs Mexico, West Brom deserve an explanation

England's worry about the Azteca Stadium on Sunday only brings West Bromwich Albion and The Hawthorns into question.

The Three Lions take on one of this year's World Cup hosts, Mexico, this weekend in a heavily talked-about clash.

One of the main talking points ahead of the last-16 tie is how the game will be played at the feared Azteca, a ground where the hosts never seem to lose.

El Tri have only lost at the venue two times in competition over the last 56 years, and Thomas Tuchel's men will have a difficult task ahead of them, or so people say.

One of the suggested reasons for this is down to the high altitude of the stadium, which is officially called Estadio Azteca, though it brings the Baggies into the conversation.

If playing at the Azteca is such an advantage for Mexico against England, then why can't West Brom drown their opponents at The Hawthorns?

If the Azteca is so important, why haven't West Brom won it all?

To add to the anticipation of England's crucial showdown against Mexico, there are severe weather warnings in place for the game, which will kick off at 1am UK time.

There were reports that it could have been moved to play at 7pm UK time, and that could still be the case after news that there may be 90 per cent of storm disruption at the time of the current kick-off.

The Azteca is placed 2,240 metres above sea level, according to the Independent, and England players are set to breathe in thinner air and less oxygen.

But don't let all this talk of Mexico's greatest weapon distract you from the facts around The Hawthorns.

According to the Football Ground Guide, West Brom's ground is the highest altitude stadium in the English Football League, as it's situated 168 metres above sea level.

Only Buxton FC's Silverlands Stadium is higher than The Hawthorns in the entire English pyramid.

If altitude is so important, then why aren't Albion down in history as the club with the best home record in England, and why are they still struggling in the Championship?

That's a joke, of course, but surely it can't be that much of a big deal for England, right?

Oxygen levels difference between Estadio Azteca and The Hawthorns

England players will definitely have a harder job than usual at the Azteca this weekend, and it feels like a game being set up for failure.

The Three Lions have already faced adversity in North America this summer, but they are set to have around 20 to 25 per cent less oxygen than usual during the match.

Humans have 100 per cent oxygen levels at base sea level, but at The Hawthorns, that is reduced to about 98 to 98.5 per cent, roughly.

So really, West Brom's ground isn't all that similar to Mexico's fortress.

Interestingly, that's still a difference over other English stadiums, and as every Baggies fan will know, a small margin counts, especially in the Championship.