England Face 2,240m Altitude and Storm Risk in Mexico City as Security Tightens Before Mexico Tie
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 4
England Face 2,240m Altitude and Storm Risk in Mexico City as Security Tightens Before Mexico Tie
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 4
Summary
England reached Mexico City just two days before Sunday's last-16 match with Mexico, leaving Thomas Tuchel's side to manage booing outside their hotel, heavy security and the risk of overnight noise disruption.
2,240m altitude is the bigger sporting threat: England have had little time to acclimatise, while Mexico have played all four tournament matches at elevation and Tuchel called that a "big disadvantage."
Fifa briefly considered moving kick-off forward by six hours because of forecast thunderstorms, lightning and possible hail, but the match will stay at 18:00 local time unless weather forces a delay.
Extra precautions now include white-noise machines and sleep remedies after Ecuador complained to Fifa that local supporters kept them awake before Mexico's 2-0 win in the previous round.
England also reportedly delayed their trip from Kansas City to keep training plans private, underscoring how preparation for the co-hosts has become a contest of logistics as much as football.