England received a hostile welcome as they arrived at their Mexico City hotel for Sunday’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico. Hundreds of fans gathered outside the hotel, with many booing and chanting “Mexico”, while at least one supporter held up an England shirt.
Security increased after Ecuador incident
England had hoped to keep their location undisclosed after Mexico supporters used loud speakers, horns and motorcycles to disturb the sleep of Ecuador’s players before their last-32 tie, which the co-hosts won 2-0 on Wednesday night. Security has been increased outside the hotel following complaints from Ecuador’s football federation. There has also been an increase in security in the city after four people died during celebrations that followed Mexico’s win over Ecuador.
Kick-off schedule uncertainty
Thomas Tuchel’s men take on the co-hosts at the Azteca Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm local time (1am Monday in the UK). Fifa had considered moving kick-off forward due to a forecast for storms but, after five-and-a-half hours of uncertainty on Friday, the decision was made to stick with the original schedule. Mexico had voiced opposition to rescheduling the game less than 48 hours before kick-off, and the English Football Association was stunned by the potential change. “The schedule change hits like a kick in the stomach,” Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said. “We have to change the entire plan. I don’t like it at all.”
Altitude challenge
A hostile reception is far from the only challenge England will face in Mexico City. The Azteca Stadium sits more than 2,000 metres above sea level, meaning players must adapt to lower oxygen levels in the air. Mexico have been beaten only twice in 89 matches at the Azteca, winning 70 and drawing 17. They are unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches at the stadium.
