Mexico fans have been making noise outside England's hotel in Mexico City ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash on Sunday, using trumpets, drums, and fireworks to disrupt the players' sleep. The match at the iconic Azteca Stadium kicks off at 6pm local time (1am Monday in England), and the local supporters have been relentless in their efforts to unsettle the Three Lions.
Fan tactics and police response
According to ESPN's Lizzy Becherano, around 45 Mexico fans gathered outside England's hotel at 12:50 am local time, playing instruments and making noise. Police moved the fans 200 meters down the street, but they continued their disruption. Fireworks were also set off near the hotel. This follows similar actions before Mexico's last-32 win over Ecuador, which led to an official complaint from the Ecuadorian football federation to FIFA.
Police have established roadblocks around the England hotel, but fans are still attempting to disturb the players. Men in Blazers posted on social media: "Despite police roadblocks around England's hotel, Mexico fans are still giving it their best shot to try and stop the players sleeping."
England's World Cup form and challenges
England have not had a perfect run in the tournament, conceding goals against Croatia and DR Congo and drawing with Ghana, but they have advanced to the last 16 as bookmakers' favorites. In contrast, Mexico have won all four matches without conceding a goal, defeating South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic, and Ecuador. The Azteca Stadium's altitude of 7,220 feet above sea level adds another challenge for England.
Team news: Quansah available, James doubtful
England manager Thomas Tuchel provided positive news on injuries, confirming that defender Jarrell Quansah has recovered from an ankle injury and is fully available for selection. "You saw Jarell train. He trained today and is fully available," Tuchel said in his pre-match press conference. However, Reece James is still not fit to start due to a hamstring problem, though he may make the bench. "Reece can maybe make it onto the bench, but we need the last assessment from the doctors and the medical opinion [as to] whether this makes sense," Tuchel added.
Djed Spence started at right-back in the 2-1 win over DR Congo, but Quansah could replace him against Mexico.
