England's World Cup preparations have been disrupted after their team hotel in Mexico City was leaked before their last-16 clash with Mexico, allowing home supporters to gather and greet Thomas Tuchel's squad with jeers as they arrived.
The Three Lions landed in the Mexican capital on Friday night ahead of Sunday's showdown at the Estadio Azteca, where they face tournament co-hosts Mexico in one of the standout ties of the last 16.
Security Concerns and Fan Disturbances
England had hoped to keep the location of their hotel private amid concerns fans could attempt to disturb the squad before the match. However, supporters were waiting outside when the team bus arrived, with players greeted by whistles, boos and chants as they made their way inside.
Television pictures showed heavy security around the hotel, including police officers, barriers and road closures, while officers were deployed outside the building as England settled into their base.
The jeers didn't stop for the England team as they entered the hotel, with people inside appearing to heckle Harry Kane and his team-mates as they walked to their rooms.
Previous Incident with Ecuador
The Football Association had already been reviewing security arrangements after Ecuador complained to FIFA that dozens of Mexico supporters gathered outside their hotel before the hosts' previous knockout match, sounding horns and making noise into the early hours. England had hoped to avoid a similar situation by keeping their accommodation confidential.
Hundreds of Mexico supporters gathered outside Ecuador's hotel in the early hours of the morning, sounding car horns, revving motorcycles, beating drums and blasting music in an apparent attempt to deprive the players of sleep ahead of the last-32 tie. The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) subsequently lodged a formal complaint with FIFA and tournament organisers over what it described as "off-field actions" that went against the spirit of the World Cup.
In a statement, the FEF said: "Such conduct stands in stark contrast to the principles of fair play, equity and unity that a World Cup should embody."
It added: "The FEF respectfully calls upon the competent authorities to pay greater attention to these events and to adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the safety of our players, coaching staff and fans. We trust that these unsporting acts will not tarnish the football celebration that unites two brotherly nations, and that respect, healthy competition and fair play will prevail at all times. Ecuador will always respond to these unsporting actions on the pitch."
Tuchel's Reaction and Match Conditions
Despite the hostile reception, Tuchel appeared relaxed as he acknowledged supporters on arrival before leading his squad inside.
England are already preparing for a difficult assignment in Mexico City, where they must contend with a partisan crowd at the Estadio Azteca as well as the effects of playing more than 2,000 metres above sea level.
There had also been speculation that the kick-off time could be brought forward because of forecasts of thunderstorms in the Mexican capital. However, FIFA has opted to keep the match at its scheduled start time while continuing to monitor weather conditions ahead of kick-off.
Victory for England would set up a World Cup quarter-final against either Brazil or Norway.
