Members of the England national team were met with boos from local fans as they pulled up to their hotel in Mexico City. The group is currently preparing for a Round of 16 World Cup fixture against the co-hosts, scheduled for Sunday at 01:00 BST.
Security measures around the lodging have been tightened following reports from the Ecuador squad, who previously filed a complaint with FIFA. Ecuador claimed that local supporters disrupted their rest by using air horns, motorcycles, and loudspeakers outside their accommodations. Although England attempted to keep their specific location private, concerns grew that the address would be compromised.
Upon arrival this past Friday, the team coach was surrounded by hundreds of spectators. While some shouted support for Mexico, many others directed booing at the visiting players. The arrival came amid a period of turbulence for the team, following a brief window of uncertainty where FIFA considered rescheduling the match due to expected storms. Both the Football Association and the Mexican federation opposed the sudden shift, keeping the original kickoff time intact.
Beyond the logistical distractions, England must also navigate the physical demands of playing at an altitude of approximately 2,240 meters. The decreased oxygen levels at this height pose a significant challenge, as athletes typically require up to two weeks to properly acclimatize their bodies for competition in such conditions.
