Arabic version: إنجلترا تستعد لمواجهة كأس العالم مع المكسيك

According to BBC News,

England are taking precautions before their arrival in Mexico to ensure boisterous locals intent on ruining the players’ rest and sleep do not disrupt their preparations. The team, managed by Thomas Tuchel, faces Mexico in their World Cup last-16 tie on Sunday (01:00 BST Monday) in a match live on BBC One and iPlayer. The squad are due to arrive in Mexico City on Friday so will spend two nights before the game in the capital.

In light of previous complaints from Ecuador, whose players were deliberately kept awake by noisy Mexico supporters outside their hotel, England has opted to keep their accommodation location undisclosed. The squad is concerned that their hotel might be revealed on social media, potentially disrupting their preparations.

To combat potential noise disturbances, players and staff who have not brought their own sleeping devices, such as ear plugs or sleep bands, are to be offered natural sleep remedies or white noise audio machines. This approach marks a change in England’s usual schedule, as they typically arrive in the host city the night before a game.

Additionally, England will train in Mexico instead of Kansas, as FIFA requires teams to hold a part-open training session a day before their matches. The players will also face the challenge of competing at high altitude, with Mexico City sitting at approximately 2,240 metres above sea level. This elevation can affect player performance, especially for those not acclimatized to such conditions.

Tuchel has acknowledged the disadvantage posed by the altitude, stating that it is physically impossible for the team to adapt in the short time before the match. He expressed that the altitude presents a significant advantage for Mexico, which has already played all its World Cup games at high altitude. Despite these challenges, Tuchel believes his team is ready to face them head-on.