Mexico supporters launched a desperate attempt to keep England players awake the night before their World Cup last-16 tie, setting off fireworks and blasting music on a street near the team’s hotel in Mexico City. Police in riot gear formed a barrier around the building, pushing the fans back and ensuring the disruption was short-lived. Early indications from the England camp suggest the noise had “minimal impact” on the players.
The heightened security follows a noise complaint from Ecuador, beaten 2-0 by Mexico in the previous round, after fans with loudspeakers, motorbikes and horns disturbed their sleep. The co-hosts now face England at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday evening local time (Monday 01:00 BST).
“Mexico fans fire fireworks near England hotel; police move them back; Government confirms no bank holiday for Monday's 1am kick-off.”
As the team left for training under heavy escort on Saturday, they were met with a mix of cheers and jeers. England boss Thomas Tuchel brushed aside any concerns, saying the treatment had been “nicer” than expected and that home fans were “friendly and respectful”.
Meanwhile, back in the UK, the Government has ruled out granting an extra bank holiday on Monday to accommodate fans staying up for the 1am kick-off. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said children should still attend school, while Communities Secretary Steve Reed urged local councils to extend pub opening hours instead. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government insisted they would be “backing the England team all the way” but noted that “the current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established.”
Scotland has already benefited from an extra holiday – the Scottish Government announced a day off on Monday, June 15, to celebrate their national team’s World Cup debut. But for England fans, the promise of a lie-in remains as elusive as a quiet night’s sleep in Mexico City.