Two great friends have travelled to Mexico for the big World Cup game, but one has a ticket for the match and the other doesn't. James Rogers, 41, paid £850 for a ticket, while his mate John Fayer, 64, hasn't managed to secure one yet. They made an early visit to the magnificent Azteca stadium before the England v Mexico game.
Friends' Football Journey
Both are mad keen Manchester United supporters. John hasn't missed a home or away match in 34 years since 1992, and that was because of illness. James Rogers, a diplomat from Maidstone, Kent, said: "I do have a ticket. I'm so excited - this is like a cathedral for football. You want to know how much I paid for it don't you? It was £850 which is the same as my season ticket for Manchester United. It's mad. England had better turn up and win."
Last Minute Hope
John Fayer, from Canterbury, Kent, the director of a children's home, is still trying to get a ticket and hoping for a last-minute miracle. He said: "I just haven't been able to get a ticket, I'm still trying but at the moment I haven't got a clue where I will watch it. I'm still trying but there's nothing around."
Security and Atmosphere
As the pair visited the Azteca, the England team was surrounded by huge security at their hotel. There were minor protests outside the hotel last night. A couple of fireworks were let off and a band arrived, but they were soon moved by hundreds of riot police. Earlier, heavily armed military police gave the bus an escort to training through the busy Mexican streets. The national guards were in several separate military vehicles ahead and behind the bus. There were 500 or so Mexican supporters waiting outside the hotel. There were boos and cheers, but the atmosphere was generally very good-natured. Some fans started a "Mexico, Mexico, Mexico" chant. Earlier, sniffer dogs had been taken aboard to check for any explosives.
Harry Kane's Message
Harry Kane has told England fans to enjoy the match. 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. Obviously it's very late and we all appreciate the support. That's what sometimes makes the World Cup 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, 6am."
