Arabic version: لاعبو إنجلترا غير متأثرين بألعاب نارية من مشجعي المكسيك خارج الفندق

Mexico supporters attempted to wake up England players with music and fireworks close to their hotel the night before the sides’ last-16 World Cup tie. According to BBC News, riot police formed a barrier to keep the fans at a distance.

Footage published on social media appears to show a group of fans chanting and letting off fireworks on a street nearby England’s hotel. However, early indications from the England camp are it had little to no impact on the players.

The increased security presence was a response to a noise complaint lodged by Ecuador, who experienced similar disruptions during their stay after losing to Mexico in the previous round. Ecuador had complained to FIFA about the loudspeakers and other noise-making devices used by fans outside their hotel.

England’s match against Mexico is scheduled for Sunday evening at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. As the team left their hotel for training, they were met with a mixture of cheers and jeers from local fans, all under enhanced security measures.

England boss Thomas Tuchel dismissed concerns over his side’s treatment in Mexico, saying it had been “nicer” than he expected and that home fans were “friendly and respectful.”