England booed on arrival in Mexico as hotel location leaked before World Cup clash

England were greeted by boos and jeers as their team coach pulled up outside their hotel in Mexico City on Friday – but the hostile welcome was only the beginning of a chaotic build-up to their World Cup last-16 tie against the tournament co-hosts. Hundreds of locals had gathered outside the hotel after the team’s location was leaked, with some chanting “Mexico” as the players stepped off the coach. Members of Mexico’s National Guard lined the entrance, while police in riot gear stood behind barriers on the road. The heavy security presence followed a complaint lodged by Ecuador, who faced Mexico in the previous round in Mexico City. Ecuador accused local supporters of deliberately keeping their players awake overnight using loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles outside their hotel. Thomas Tuchel’s side had tried to keep their whereabouts undisclosed, fearing a repeat, but the leak meant that on Friday they faced a similar ordeal. England’s players and staff have been offered natural sleep remedies and white noise machines to try to counter potential overnight disturbances; some have brought their own ear plugs or sleep bands. Attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers said: “I won’t be happy if it wakes me up – I’ll be honest. We’ll see how it goes but we’ll deal with it as best as possible. It’s just another obstacle to overcome but we’re ready.” The team also faces the challenge of playing at the Azteca Stadium, which sits 2,240 metres above sea level – an altitude that can affect sleep and performance. Matters were further complicated when reports emerged just over 48 hours before the scheduled 1am BST kick-off that Fifa was considering bringing the match forward by six hours because of forecast thunderstorms. Both camps reacted with anger to the proposed change, prompting the governing body to complete a U-turn and confirm the tie would start at the original time. The decision means the British government’s permission for pubs to stay open for the game will come into play. England will hope to overcome the disruptions and set up a potential quarter-final against Brazil, but first they must navigate a hostile environment at the Azteca – and a night’s sleep that is far from guaranteed.