England have delayed their trip to Mexico City ahead of Monday's World Cup knockout match amid concerns over another Spygate. The Three Lions are preparing to face tournament co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca at 1am UK time on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.
Delayed travel to avoid espionage
After Harry Kane inspired a second-half turnaround to beat DR Congo 2-1, England flew from Atlanta back to their training camp in Kansas City. Some have questioned why Thomas Tuchel's squad didn't fly straight to Mexico to adapt to the climate. The Azteca sits 2,240m above sea level, something Tuchel has described as a 'huge advantage' for Mexico. But it has emerged that one of the main reasons England will only travel on Friday is their fear of being spied on.
A report from the Mail states that Tuchel wants to work on his tactics for the game in a secure environment to avoid potential spies. England have so far ensured that all of their tactical sessions were well-guarded, away from prying eyes.
Security measures in Kansas City
In Kansas City, where England's players will continue returning after each knockout game should they progress, security guards are stationed at various points on the perimeter of the training ground. Police officers are also stationed there. This level of protection echoes the infamous Spygate saga in May, when a Southampton analyst spied on Middlesbrough's training session ahead of the Championship play-offs, leading to Southampton losing their spot in the final and Middlesbrough replacing them, only to lose 1-0 against Hull City at Wembley.
Additional concerns in Mexico
Playing in Mexico raises other potential issues for England. In the round of 32, Mexico hosted Ecuador, whose football association filed a formal complaint after locals set off fireworks and used air horns, drums, motorbikes, and loud music outside their team hotel in the early hours before their 2-0 defeat. England are keeping the location of their hotel a secret, with Tuchel saying after beating Congo: "We will expect that (noise outside the hotel). But what can we do? We will bring earplugs. I expect everything."
