England were booed as they arrived at their hotel in Mexico City on Friday, greeted by hundreds of locals chanting “Mexico” while police in riot gear lined the streets. Armed officers from the National Guard secured the entrance, a ring of steel deployed after Ecuador, Mexico’s previous opponents, lodged a noise complaint with Fifa over fans who used loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles to keep them awake all night.
The Three Lions now face their own battle against the elements and a fierce home crowd. The Azteca Stadium, where they meet tournament co‑hosts Mexico in the last 16 on Sunday night, sits 2,240 metres above sea level. Mexico have lost only two of their last 89 competitive matches at the venue and none in the past decade. England defender Marc Guehi admitted his side are the underdogs, calling Mexico “favourites”.
“England were booed on arrival in Mexico City as they face altitude, thunderstorms, and hostile fans for their World Cup last-16 clash.”
To avoid sleep disruption, England’s players will be offered natural sleep remedies, white noise machines, and many will bring their own ear plugs. 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 build-up was further complicated by a chaotic five‑and‑a‑half‑hour period on Friday when Fifa considered moving the kick‑off forward by six hours because of forecast thunderstorms. Both camps reacted with anger, prompting a U‑turn that kept the original 1am BST start time. Despite that, there remains an 80% chance of storms at game time, threatening further delays.
England had hoped to keep their hotel location secret, but hundreds of locals were waiting as the team coach arrived. The FA’s answer to the potential noise assault includes standard ear‑plugs and eye‑masks, the same kit they take on every trip. With a potential quarter‑final against Brazil on the line, Thomas Tuchel’s side must overcome not only a formidable opponent but the full force of a capital that has made its hostility clear.