England's World Cup squad received a hostile welcome as they arrived at their hotel in Santa Fe, Mexico City, on Saturday ahead of Sunday night's last-16 tie against co-hosts Mexico. Hundreds of fans gathered outside the hotel, booing and chanting 'Mexico', while at least one supporter held up an England shirt, according to the Press Association.
Security Increased After Previous Incidents
The hostile reception was not unexpected, as Mexico supporters had previously used loud speakers, horns and motorcycles to disturb the sleep of Ecuador's players before their last-32 tie on Wednesday, which Mexico won 2-0. Ecuador's football federation complained about the disruption, leading to increased security for England's arrival.
Pictures show more than 100 riot police in bullet-proof vests guarding the team's hotel, with a fence blocking access. A police dog and drone are also being used near the hotel, while the England team bus is parked outside. Security in the city has also been heightened after four people died during celebrations following Mexico's win over Ecuador.
Match Schedule Unchanged Despite Storm Forecast
Thomas Tuchel's England side will face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm local time (1am Monday in the UK). FIFA had considered moving the kick-off forward due to a forecast of storms, but after five-and-a-half hours of uncertainty on Friday evening, the decision was made to stick with the original schedule, the Press Association understands. Both England and Mexico had opposed rescheduling the game less than 48 hours before kick-off.
Captain Kane Looks Forward to Early Morning Celebrations
England captain Harry Kane said he hopes his side can provide the perfect antidote for Monday morning blues by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals. 'Obviously it's good news that the pubs are staying open for the fans,' he said. 'We know how much the World Cup means to everyone and all the fans at home, so I'm hoping there will be a few all-nighters to be honest, just going all the way through and celebrating until the next day and then catch up on some sleep after that.'
Kane added: 'Obviously it's very late and we all appreciate the support. That's what sometimes makes the World Cup so unique is these different timings and different memories that you create. I think everyone would love nothing more than to be celebrating as the sun's rising at 5 or 6am.'
Altitude and Azteca Record Pose Additional Challenges
A hostile reception is far from the only challenge England will face in Mexico City. The Azteca sits at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres above sea level, meaning players must adapt to lower oxygen levels in the air. Mexico have only been beaten twice in 89 matches at the Azteca, winning 70 and drawing 17. They are unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches at the stadium.
