England were greeted by a hostile crowd as they arrived at their hotel in Mexico City on Friday, hours after learning that Fifa had considered moving their World Cup last-16 match forward by six hours because of forecast storms. Hundreds of locals chanted “Mexico” and booed as the team coach pulled up, with members of Mexico’s National Guard lining the entrance and police officers in riot gear standing behind barriers. The reception was a taste of what Thomas Tuchel’s side can expect in the Azteca Stadium on Sunday, where they face the tournament co-hosts at 1am BST, live on BBC One and iPlayer.
The confusion over the kick-off time emerged just over 48 hours before the scheduled start, with reports that Fifa wanted to bring the game forward to avoid thunderstorms. The suggestion provoked anger from both camps, and Fifa quickly performed a U-turn, confirming the match would go ahead at the original time. “It’s just another obstacle to overcome but we’re ready,” said England attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers, who admitted he “won’t be happy if it wakes me up” when asked about potential overnight noise disruption.
“England were booed on arrival and faced a FIFA U-turn over kick-off time before their World Cup last-16 match against Mexico.”
The noise is a particular concern after Ecuador, who played Mexico in the last 32 at the same venue, lodged a noise complaint with Fifa. Ecuador players were deliberately kept awake by local supporters using loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles outside their hotel late at night. England had hoped to keep their own whereabouts undisclosed, but there were concerns the location would leak, and hundreds were waiting on their arrival. The team will be offered natural sleep remedies or white noise machines, and some players are likely to bring their own earplugs or sleep bands.
Altitude is another factor: the Azteca is 2,240m above sea level, and some people struggle to sleep at such heights. England have also reportedly faced concerns over spying, though no further details have emerged. On the pitch, Morocco thrashed Canada 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals, while Colombia beat Ghana to set up a tie with Switzerland. England’s potential path to the final could include a quarter-final against Brazil and a meeting with Argentina, who narrowly defeated Cape Verde 3-2. But first they must conquer Mexico in what promises to be a hostile and chaotic atmosphere.