Officials are planning a so-called ‘ring of steel’ around England’s Mexico City hotel – in an attempt to prevent a repeat of the raucous scenes that marred Ecuador’s visit.
Cars, fog horns, fireworks and loud music triggered a miserable night’s sleep for Mexico’s last opponents – and a complaint to FIFA.
However, it is understood that a series of measures are expected to be put in place to try and ensure Thomas Tuchel and his players do not face similar problems on the eve of their last-16 battle.
Talks are thought to be ongoing between FIFA and local police over placing an effective cordon around England’s hotel ahead of the high-stakes fixture at what is likely to be a fervent Azteca Stadium.
While no final decisions have been made, there is a hope that the Three Lions will not see their preparations impacted in the same way as the Ecuadorians who, in addition to the shenanigans outside the hotel, suffered delays at the airport and on the roads.
Indeed, England will be given a police escort during their time in the Mexican capital.
A ‘ring of steel’ is being prepared by officials to help secure England’s team hotel in Mexico
Ecuador’s preparations to play Mexico were disrupted and changes are inbound for England
Harry Kane (second from right) and Co won’t be in the same hotel where Ecuador stayed
Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Co will not be staying at the same hotel as Ecuador, but will be in a nearby area.
England have sold around 8,000 tickets for the match, which was due to kick off at 1am on Monday and 8pm here, but could now be brought forward due to storms in the area.
In total, around 15,000 England followers are expected to attend what will be a huge occasion at the 87,523-capacity venue, one of football’s great cathedrals.
At this stage, there is no intelligence to suggest that those there to support England will be targeted by fans of the co-host and officials are hoping that the trip will pass off without major incident.
It is thought that England fans will be asked to be respectful and courteous to their hosts and, should their team progress, act with good grace.
Meanwhile, some Three Lions fans are attempting to cash in by selling their tickets on FIFA’s resale portal for a staggering £22,800.
More than 70 tickets bought through the England Supporters’ Travel Club (ESTC) via the official ballot of 3,000 are up for grabs. Some are attempting to use the game as an opportunity to pay for their entire trip.
Category one tickets, effectively the best seats, were going for north of £51,000 last night.
