More than 100 riot police in bullet-proof vests are guarding the England team’s hotel in Mexico City after hundreds of local fans gave the squad a hostile reception
More than 100 riot officers in bullet-proof vests are standing guard outside the hotel where England are based in Mexico ahead of their crucial World Cup match.
It comes after the squad received a hostile welcome upon arriving for their World Cup knockout clash against Mexico – with the round of 16 clash presenting their toughest battle yet, on and off the field.
England had been keen to keep their whereabouts under wraps following reports that Mexico supporters used loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles in an attempt to disrupt the sleep of Ecuador’s players ahead of their last-32 tie, which the co-hosts won 2-0 on Wednesday night.
However, when the England coach pulled up at the hotel, hundreds of supporters were already gathered outside, with many booing while others chanted “Mexico”.
Around 200 locals had congregated near the hotel on Saturday, which has a fence restricting access and officers from Guardia Nacional stationed along its perimeter.
A police dog and drone are also being deployed in the vicinity while the England team bus remains parked outside.
Meanwhile, Mexican authorities confirmed that 17,000 police officers will be on duty on Sunday, according to The New York Times.
England skipper Harry Kane expressed his hope that his side could deliver the perfect remedy for Monday morning blues by securing a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
“Obviously it’s good news that the pubs are staying open for the fans,” he said.
“We know how much the World Cup means to everyone and all the fans at home, so I’m hoping there will be a few all-nighters to be honest, just going all the way through and celebrating until the next day and then catch up on some sleep after that.
“Obviously it’s very late and we all appreciate the support. That’s what sometimes makes the World Cup so unique is these different timings and different memories that you create.
“I think everyone would love nothing more than to be celebrating as the sun’s rising at 5 or 6am.”
The fixture in Mexico City is set to go ahead at the scheduled time, despite storm warnings sparking talks over moving the game forward.
Pub landlords across the UK had been eagerly awaiting word from Fifa, with emergency legislation pushed through by Sir Keir Starmer allowing venues to remain open into the early hours for the round-of-16 clash.
On Friday evening, Fifa sources confirmed that no decision had been taken to move the game from its 6pm local time (1am Monday UK time) slot at the Estadio Azteca, with relevant stakeholders continuing to keep a close eye on conditions.
Fears over severe weather in the Mexican capital had fuelled reports that an earlier kick-off of 12pm local time – 7pm on Sunday in the UK – was under consideration.
Prime Minister Sir Keir rallied behind Kane’s side as he predicted fans would be burning the midnight oil to watch the “big game”.
He said: “Mexico are a tough side to beat but we have a squad that knows what it takes to win.
“After the false hope of an earlier night, I know fans across the country will be staying up late to get behind the England team. And thanks to our change to pub licensing, they will be able to do that at their local, all through the early hours.
“Come on England!”.