Mexico supporters tried to wake England’s players with music and fireworks outside their hotel the night before the sides’ World Cup last-16 tie – but the squad was largely undisturbed.
Footage on social media showed a group of fans chanting, playing music and letting off fireworks on a street near England’s hotel in Mexico City. Riot police formed a barrier around the hotel, keeping supporters at a distance. Early indications from the England camp suggested the disruption had minimal impact on the players.
“Mexico fans' fireworks and music failed to disturb England players before their World Cup last-16 tie.”
The heavy security presence came after Ecuador, beaten 2-0 by Mexico in the last 32, lodged a noise complaint with Fifa. Ecuador said fans with loudspeakers, motorbikes and horns had disrupted their sleep last week.
On Saturday, England’s team were met with a mixture of cheers and jeers as they left the hotel for training under enhanced security measures. But manager Thomas Tuchel dismissed concerns about the team’s treatment in Mexico, saying it had been “nicer” than he expected and that home fans were “friendly and respectful”.
The World Cup co-hosts face England at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Sunday evening local time (01:00 BST Monday). The match is a high-altitude test for Gareth Southgate’s side as they seek a place in the quarter-finals.
The bid to disturb England’s sleep has echoes of the tactics used against Ecuador, but the players appeared unruffled. Tuchel’s calm response suggested the squad was focused on the task ahead.