Arabic version: إنجلترا تواجه استقبالاً عدائياً في مدينة مكسيكو قبل مباراة كأس العالم

England were booed as they arrived at their Mexico City hotel to prepare for their World Cup last-16 game against Mexico. The match is scheduled for Sunday (01:00 BST, Monday) and will be shown live on BBC One and iPlayer.

According to BBC News, the team’s hotel is under heightened security following a noise complaint lodged by Ecuador, who played Mexico in the last 32. Ecuador’s players reported being kept awake by local fans using loudspeakers, horns, and motorcycles outside their hotel.

As the England team bus arrived, hundreds of local supporters gathered outside, with some chanting “Mexico” and others booing. The entrance to the hotel was secured by members of Mexico’s National Guard, with police in riot gear stationed nearby.

The England squad arrived two days prior to the match to comply with FIFA regulations, which require teams to conduct a part-open training session in the area before their game. However, their preparations faced disruption due to a chaotic five-and-a-half-hour period during which FIFA considered moving the match time forward by six hours due to forecast storms. This proposal was met with anger from both the Football Association and Mexico’s football federation, and the match will proceed as originally scheduled.

Additionally, England faces the challenge of competing at high altitude in Mexico City, which is approximately 2,240 meters above sea level. This elevation can affect players’ performance due to reduced oxygen availability, and it is generally recommended that athletes acclimatize to such conditions over a week or two.

The upcoming match is pivotal for both teams, with expectations running high as England seeks to advance in the tournament.