Thomas Tuchel planning major change as details emerge ahead of England and DR Congo World Cup match

Thomas Tuchel is preparing to tear up England's World Cup routine if the Three Lions overcome DR Congo and reach the last 16.The England manager has kept his squad based in Kansas City throughout the tournament, preferring to return to a familiar environment after every match.But that approach is set to change should England progress to a potential last-16 showdown with either Mexico or Ecuador at the iconic Azteca Stadium.Instead of travelling the day before the match as they have done throughout the competition, The Sun say Tuchel is expected to take his players to Mexico City 48 hours before kick-off. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The earlier arrival would allow England to train at altitude before facing one of the biggest challenges of their World Cup campaign.Mexico City sits more than 2,200 metres above sea level, with the thinner air presenting a unique physical test for visiting teams.England have already been preparing for those conditions at their Kansas City training base, where hyperbaric chambers have been installed to aid recovery and help players adapt.The squad have also been using advanced monitoring technology, including Whoop fitness devices, to track workloads during a demanding tournament schedule.Tuchel has previously insisted it has been important for England to return to the same base after matches rather than constantly moving between cities.The squad have settled into what has been described as an English-style hotel, complete with recreational facilities including a basketball court.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Gary Neville alarmed by England star who 'doesn't look right' at World CupEmma Raducanu gets big Wimbledon payout despite withdrawing from tournamentHarry Kane lined up for sensational move to European giants amid England World Cup dutyThat continuity has been viewed as a key part of England's preparations throughout the tournament.If England defeat DR Congo before then, they would fly to Mexico City on Friday ahead of a potential last-16 clash on Sunday evening local time.The Azteca holds painful memories for England supporters.It was there, at the 1986 World Cup, that Sir Bobby Robson's side were eliminated by Argentina after Diego Maradona's infamous Hand of God goal and his extraordinary solo effort helped secure a 2-1 victory.Tuchel will hope England can write a very different story if they return to the famous stadium almost four decades later.Should England beat either Mexico or Ecuador, they would then return to Kansas City before travelling again for a potential quarter-final in Miami.For now, however, Tuchel's focus remains firmly on Wednesday's meeting with DR Congo.The England boss is expected to bring Djed Spence into the starting line-up after Jarell Quansah suffered an ankle injury during the 2-0 victory over Panama.Quansah had been filling in at right-back after Reece James was ruled out with a hamstring problem, leaving Tuchel short of options in the position.The England manager's other major selection decision centres on the left wing, where Marcus Rashford appears favourite to keep his place ahead of Anthony Gordon. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter