Tuchel praises respectful Mexico fans amid increased security

England manager Thomas Tuchel has dismissed concerns over the team's treatment in Mexico, describing the atmosphere as 'nicer than I expected' and home fans as 'friendly and respectful' ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash against the co-hosts.

The match kicks off at 18:00 local time on Sunday (01:00 BST Monday) at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and will be broadcast live on BBC One, iPlayer and Radio 5 Live.

Enhanced security measures

On Saturday, the England squad was met with a mixture of cheers and jeers as they left their hotel for training under heightened security. Members of Mexico's National Guard lined the hotel entrance, while police in riot gear stood behind barriers on the road outside.

The increased security follows a complaint lodged by Ecuador with FIFA after they were beaten 2-0 by Mexico in the World Cup last 32. Ecuador reported that fans with loudspeakers, motorbikes and horns disrupted their sleep last week.

'We had no issues tonight and I think FIFA took care of the situation,' Tuchel said. 'We have security around the hotel so we expect a good night's sleep.'

He added: 'I don't want to talk about problems that don't exist yet. If they come, we will accept them. The best way to approach is to be relaxed and calm.'

Respectful fans and altitude challenges

Tuchel praised the conduct of Mexican supporters, saying: 'What I experienced until now was very respectful and emotional and very supportive towards our teams. We expect to be treated with respect and that was the case. It was even nicer than I expected.'

The England boss also addressed the challenge of playing at altitude. The Estadio Azteca sits 7,220 feet (2,240 metres) above sea level, where lower barometric pressure means thinner air and less oxygen intake, leading to increased heart rate, shortness of breath, dehydration and quicker fatigue.

'We feel it even if we don't train,' Tuchel said. 'I felt a slight headache through the day, for example. I didn't sleep as well as the days before but nothing you cannot handle and that you cannot adapt.'

He noted that the players felt the altitude in the first minutes of training but coped better as the session went on. 'It is just what it is. We cannot physically adapt, it is impossible. But we are here one day before to experience it at least.'

Tuchel expects Mexico to start strongly: 'It is not a coincidence Mexico starts their matches strong and aggressively as the first 15 to 20 minutes maybe the tougher. Once we overcome that, I think we are in a good place.'

Kick-off schedule confusion

Tuchel was asked about the recent kick-off chaos, after FIFA briefly moved the game forward six hours to 12:00 local time (19:00 BST) before reversing the decision. 'Inside the bubble it was quite calm,' he said. 'The players were not aware there was a possible change of kick-off. Just this example shows you to not lose your head - we cannot influence it.'

England will be without James for the tie, but Quansah is fit again. The match is a knockout fixture in an iconic stadium, and Tuchel is embracing the occasion: 'It just catches you straight away once you land here and saw the excitement and the emotions. This will be a proper World Cup match. We are in an iconic place, an iconic stadium and a massive knockout game. It is a big stage and we feel it. It makes you sharper and brings the best out of you. It makes you feel alive.'