England received a hostile reception at their hotel in Mexico City after the location was leaked and native fans abused them on their arrival.
And it puts their ring of steel – including metal barriers and a large police detail with riot shields – under threat with the Mexico supporters bound to cause more trouble.
Thomas Tuchel and his staff are preparing the players for severe disruption during the night after Mexican fans made a cacophony in the streets to deprive Ecuador of sleep in the round of 32.
England will face the World Cup co-hosts at the Estadio Azteca at 1am UK time on Monday as originally planned – despite FIFA entering discussions to move it by six hours to 7pm on Sunday due to the threat of thunderstorms.
The confusion – which dismayed the FA and even angered Mexico’s camp – has only complicated the build-up to what will be a huge test at altitude for the Three Lions.
England were bombarded with jeers and whistles as their team bus pulled up outside their hotel and fans filled the streets with chants of ‘Mexico, Mexico!’
England were heckled by Mexico fans on their arrival at their team hotel in the capital
Players were abused as the team bus pulled up and even once they were inside their hotel
A large police presence with riot shields has been set up outside the England team’s hotel
They were even heckled on their way through the building, with Harry Kane turning his head as people repeatedly shouted his name.
Despite wanting to spend time in Mexico acclimatising, England actually delayed their trip amid concerns over spying.
The Three Lions returned to their Kansas City base from Atlanta following their dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo on Wednesday night, rather than heading straight to their next World Cup destination.
And Daily Mail Sport understands that one of the main reasons for doing so is to ensure Thomas Tuchel can set out his tactical blueprint and formation in a secure environment, away from prying eyes.
Throughout the tournament England have been returning to their HQ close to the middle of the US. One of the factors behind the decision to be based in Kansas City is logistical, and the fact that it means they do not have to face any long flights.
However, it is understood that Tuchel is adamant that his plans will not be leaked and that vital preparations including team shape can be held in the most well-guarded place possible.
The possibility of others spying on England has been a key part of planning and it is understood that the view within the camp is that a trip to Mexico City comes with increased risks.
Indeed, should England progress to the final in New York, they would return to Kansas City following the semi. The Three Lions training ground in Kansas City is guarded by police, with security guards stationed at various points on the perimeter when they undergo their sessions.
England delayed their flight to Mexico to train again in Kansas City over spying fears
Police are anticipating disruption from the Mexican public after they disturbed Ecuador’s sleep
It may be hard to get a good night of sleep in Mexico. Ecuador, who Mexico defeated in the round of 32, submitted a formal complaint after significant numbers of locals set off fireworks and used air horns, drums, motorbikes and loud music outside their hotel to the early hours in an attempt to deprive their opponents of sleep.
‘This conduct is far removed from the principles of fair play, equality and unity that a football World Cup should represent,’ Ecuador’s football federation said in a statement.
There were also reports of attacks from Mexico fans towards visiting journalists, while what appeared to be a beer cup hit an Ecuadorian TV journalist in the face during a live broadcast.
The FA and Tuchel are aware of the situation. Following Harry Kane’s heroics in Atlanta, the German said: ‘We will expect that (noise outside the hotel). But what can we do? We will bring earplugs. I expect everything.’
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