ENGLAND’S World Cup stars were given a hostile reception as they arrived at their Mexico City hotel ahead of facing the tournament co-hosts.
The Three Lions only found out their last-16 tie at the Estadio Azteca will kick-off at 1am UK time just before boarding their flight from Kansas City.
The time of the clash was finally confirmed by Fifa after there had initially been suggestions it would start six hours earlier to avoid severe thunderstorms.
And Thomas Tuchel’s side were met with jeers and whistles from Mexican fans as the team coach pulled up to their hotel.
Harry Kane and his big-name team-mates were also heckled as they prepared to check-in.
Chants of “Mexico! Mexico!” could be heard in an attempt to intimidate members of the squad.
And metal barriers were put up to separate England’s World Cup hopefuls from the boisterous fans.
But Tuchel, 52, appeared to be soaking up the atmosphere – with him even being spotted waving to supporters as he stepped into the hotel.
England had wanted to keep where they were staying a secret after Ecuador’s players had a restless night ahead of their last-32 showdown.
Mexican supporters let off fireworks, banged drums and honked car horns outside the South American side’s team hotel the night before the contest.
WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS
It led to Ecuador making an official complaint after they were knocked out of the World Cup hours later.
But England’s hopes of steering clear of Mexico’s intimidating fans were ended as the location of their hotel was LEAKED.
Special measures have been put in place in a desperate bid to make sure the Three Lions’ preparations are not impacted.
Their hotel has been surrounded by an impenetrable ring of steel, with plenty of security deployed.
Road blocks have also been spotted, along with an inner cordon of row upon row of specialist cops in riot helmets and wielding shields.
Police officers were seen practising drills and forming protective lines hours before the England squad arrived.
The Three Lions jetted into Mexico City from their Kansas City base in the early hours of the evening.
Kane, who bagged a brace in the comeback win over DR Congo on Wednesday, was among the first off the plane.
World Cup 2026 – all the info
IT’S A KNOCKOUT
The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up.
England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane on fire.
But the likes of France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way.
Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32.
LATEST NEWS
KEY INFO
VIDEO
TIPS AND BETTING
If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.
The lethal finisher was quickly followed by the likes of Jude Bellingham, Ivan Toney and Marc Guehi.
England will face the winners of the tie involving Brazil and Norway if they beat Mexico.
Be First to Comment