England Arrive to Hundreds of Boos in Mexico City as Security Tightens Before Last-16 Tie
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 4
England Arrive to Hundreds of Boos in Mexico City as Security Tightens Before Last-16 Tie
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 4
Summary
Hundreds of local supporters booed England as the team coach reached its Mexico City hotel on Friday ahead of Sunday’s World Cup last-16 match against co-hosts Mexico.
National Guard members lined the hotel entrance and riot police stood outside after Ecuador lodged a FIFA noise complaint, saying Mexico fans used loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles to keep players awake before a 2-0 defeat.
England had tried to keep their hotel secret but arrived two days early because FIFA rules require a part-open local training session the day before the game.
Preparations were already unsettled by a five-and-a-half-hour scare over a possible six-hour kickoff change because of forecast storms, though the match will start as scheduled.
Mexico City’s 2,240m altitude adds another hurdle, with England lacking the week or two usually needed to acclimatize fully.