England have booked their place in the World Cup semifinals, but their dramatic knockout run has also produced one of the tournament’s most unexpected press conference moments.

Before England’s 3-2 round-of-16 victory over Mexico, head coach Thomas Tuchel was asked whether his players would use Viagra to help them cope with the high altitude at Estadio Azteca.

The unusual question prompted a humorous response from the German-born coach, and later inspired an equally amusing remark from England player Jordan Henderson.

Thomas Tuchel Fires Back At Bizarre Viagra Question

Ahead of England’s match against Mexico, head coach Thomas Tuchel was confronted with an unexpected question during his pre-match press conference.

One reporter claimed rumors had been circulating that England’s players might use the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra to help them cope with the high altitude at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and asked the manager whether there was any truth to the claims.

“Is it true that you guys are considering using Viagra to contrast or mitigate the effects of the altitude? That’s information that came along, so I wanted to ask you if that’s really true, that information. Thank you,” the reporter asked.

The question prompted a huge smile from Tuchel, who delivered an equally humorous response that left everyone in the room laughing.

“The information and the support didn’t reach me, so that’s not true,” Tuchel replied.

England Midfielder’s Own Viagra Joke Precedes Freak Injury

Like Tuchel, veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson also delivered a comical response when reporters asked him about the altitude.

“Well, the Viagra helped,” he said, before quickly adding, “I’m joking, that’s a joke.”

Henderson’s night later took a painful turn following England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico, per The New York Post.

While celebrating the team’s win, the former Liverpool captain attempted to climb over the advertising hoardings but landed awkwardly, injuring his wrist. Medics rushed to treat him before he was carried away on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

Henderson subsequently underwent surgery but made a remarkably swift return to England’s matchday squad, taking his place on the substitutes’ bench for the quarterfinal victory over Norway just five days after suffering the injury.

England Beat Norway To Set Up Argentina Clash

England have since taken another major step in their World Cup campaign, defeating Norway 2-1 after extra time in their quarterfinal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Norway took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup, but Jude Bellingham responded with both of England’s goals, scoring the equalizer before striking again in extra time to send the Three Lions into the last four.

Erling Haaland was unable to add to his tournament tally, although his shove on an England player led to Norway’s goal being disallowed.

England will now face reigning champions Argentina in the semifinals at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15. Argentina booked their place with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland. The winner will advance to the World Cup final against either France or Spain on Sunday, July 19.

Thomas Tuchel And Jude Bellingham Clash Over Norway Display

England’s victory over Norway was followed by a public disagreement between Bellingham and Tuchel over the team’s performance.

Despite the player’s match-winning display, the coach said he was unhappy with his team’s display, describing them as sloppy and fortunate in several decisive moments.

When informed of the manager’s criticism, Bellingham initially responded, “Yeah, well, whatever,” before defending his teammates and the difficulty of the occasion.

“Maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play in those kinds of conditions against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Odegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, [Alexander] Sorloth,” the midfielder said. “That’s not an easy team to play against.”

Tuchel later attempted to cool suggestions of a rift, acknowledging that Bellingham was right to praise England’s effort and mentality. However, the coach maintained that the team would need to produce better-quality football against Argentina in the semifinals.

Wayne Rooney Raves About Thomas Tuchel’s Team

Former England forward Wayne Rooney echoed Tuchel’s sentiments while working as a pundit after the round-of-16 victory over Mexico.

“That was one of the greatest results, performances. They showed attitude, grit, desire, everything you would have wanted an England team to show; they showed tonight,” he said.

Rooney admitted he had feared England might be unable to hold on after going down to 10 men but was delighted to see the players put their bodies on the line.

“The center-backs and Pickford were outstanding. We were the better team until the red card, and then we showed a lesson in heading the ball out of the box, blocking shots, just brilliant,” Rooney added.

England have since carried that momentum into the last four, although another demanding test awaits them against Argentina.