England are taking extra precautions ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against co-hosts Mexico after witnessing the chaotic scenes that unfolded outside Ecuador’s team hotel earlier this week.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are expected to stay behind enhanced security in Mexico City, with roadblocks likely to be put in place around the team’s hotel to prevent supporters from gathering outside on the eve of Sunday’s knockout clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
MEXICO FANS CREATE CHAOS IN FIFA WORLD CUP
The additional measures come after hundreds of Mexico fans descended on Ecuador’s hotel before the Round of 32 fixture, setting off fireworks, revving vehicle engines and chanting deep into the night in an attempt to keep the visiting players awake.
The celebrations and noise became so intense that Ecuador players were forced to step out onto their hotel balconies to see what was happening outside.
According to The Athletic, FIFA is expected to approve enhanced security arrangements around England’s hotel, with decisions on roadblocks being taken on a case-by-case basis depending on the fixture and local intelligence. The governing body is also understood to be keen to avoid a repeat of the scenes witnessed before Mexico’s victory over Ecuador.
England have also altered their travel plans for the first time during the tournament.
ENGLAND CHANGE TRAVEL PLANS
Unlike their previous matches, where the squad arrived in the host city one day before kick-off, Tuchel’s side will travel to Mexico City two days ahead of the contest.
The decision is driven not only by security considerations but also by the challenge of playing at altitude.
The Estadio Azteca sits around 2,240 metres above sea level, with the thinner air expected to affect both player conditioning and the movement of the ball.
“We will go one night earlier. It makes sense,” Tuchel said.
“The ball will fly differently. It will fly maybe five yards more. It’s just difficult. We just need the experience.”
The England manager admitted there was no perfect solution to playing at altitude, explaining that the ideal adaptation period would have been much longer.
“The recommendation is you either go 10 days before — which is too long for us — or last minute, which is not allowed,” Tuchel explained.
“We have spoken to teams who do it and they say they travel very, very late on match day if they can’t have time to adapt. We have to find a mixture in between. It will stay as a disadvantage.”
England take on a buoyant Mexico side that will enjoy home support at the Azteca after beating Ecuador 2-0 to book their place in the Round of 16. The hosts are expected to have more than 80,000 supporters behind them as they chase a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
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