More than 100 riot police in bullet-proof vests are guarding the hotel where England are staying after the team received a hostile reception as they arrived for their World Cup knockout match against Mexico. A police dog and drone are also being used near the hotel, and the England team bus is stationed outside.
Hostile Reception
England had been hoping to keep their location secret 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 the hotel, hundreds of fans were already there, with many booing while others chanted “Mexico”.
Around 200 locals were near the hotel on Saturday, which has a fence blocking access and officers from Guardia Nacional lining it. Mexican authorities said there will be 17,000 police officers on duty on Sunday, according to The New York Times.
England Captain's Hopes
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.”
Match Timing and Storm Concerns
The match in Mexico City is set to kick off at the planned time despite storm forecasts prompting discussions over bringing the game forward. Pub landlords in the UK had been waiting to hear news from Fifa, with emergency legislation passed by Sir Keir Starmer to allow premises to stay open late for the round-of-16 match.
On Friday evening, Fifa sources indicated no decision was ever taken to reschedule the game from its 6pm local time (1am Monday UK time) slot at the Estadio Azteca and the relevant stakeholders will continue monitoring relevant factors. Potential storm conditions in Mexico’s capital led to reports that an earlier kick-off time of 12pm local time – 7pm on Sunday in the UK – was being considered.
Prime Minister's Support
Prime Minister Sir Keir cheered on Kane’s team as he predicted supporters would stay up through the night to watch the “big game”. He said: “Mexico are a tough side to beat but we have a squad that knows what it takes to win. After the false hope of an earlier night, I know fans across the country will be staying up late to get behind the England team. And thanks to our change to pub licensing, they will be able to do that at their local, all through the early hours. Come on England!”
