Mexico fans fail to disrupt England's World Cup preparations
Short overview
Mexico supporters attempted to wake England players with music and fireworks near their hotel before the World Cup last-16 tie, but police moved them back.
Mexico supporters attempted to disrupt England's preparations for their World Cup last-16 clash by gathering near the team's hotel with music and fireworks late on Saturday night, but police intervened to move them away. Footage shared on social media showed a group of fans chanting, playing loud music, and setting off fireworks on a street close to the hotel in Mexico City.
Early indications from the England camp suggest the disruption had minimal impact on the players. Police in riot gear have been stationed around the hotel, with anyone attempting to approach being turned away. The heightened security follows a complaint lodged by Ecuador with world governing body Fifa after fans with loudspeakers, motorbikes, and horns disrupted their sleep ahead of their match against Mexico. Ecuador lost 2-0 to Mexico in the World Cup last 32.
Security and atmosphere
On Saturday, England's team was met with a mixture of cheers and jeers from fans as they left their hotel for training under enhanced security measures. England manager Thomas Tuchel dismissed concerns about the team's treatment in Mexico, describing it as "nicer" than he had expected and praising home fans as "friendly and respectful."
Match details
England face Mexico at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium on Sunday evening local time (01:00 BST, Monday). The match will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer, with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, plus live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
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