England received a hostile welcome as they arrived at their Mexico City hotel for Sunday’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico.
- Mexico supporters used loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles to try to disturb Ecuador players before their last-32 tie.
- Security was increased outside the hotel and across Mexico City after earlier incidents; four people died during post-match celebrations.
- Azteca sits over 2,000 metres above sea level, and Mexico are historically dominant there, unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches.
England had been hoping to keep their location undisclosed after Mexico supporters used loud speakers, horns and motorcycles to try to disturb the sleep of Ecuador’s players before their last-32 tie, which the co-hosts won 2-0 on Wednesday night.
But when England’s coach arrived at their hotel, hundreds of fans were there, with many booing while others chanted “Mexico”. At least one supporter within the crowd could be seen holding up an England shirt.
Security has been increased outside the hotel after events earlier in the week, which led to complaints from Ecuador’s football federation. There has also been an increase in security in the city after four people died during the celebrations that followed Mexico’s win over Ecuador.
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 owing 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 on hearing of a potential change and is understood to have been less than impressed by the back and forth. “The schedule change hits like a kick in the stomach,” the Mexico manager, Javier Aguirre, said. “We have to change the entire plan. I don’t like it at all.”
A hostile reception is far from the only challenge England will face in Mexico City, with the Azteca more than 2,000 metres above sea level, meaning players must adapt to lower levels of oxygen 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.
