Mexico fans fail in bid to wake up England players

Riot police formed a barrier around England's hotel, keeping Mexico fans at a distance [PA Media] Mexico supporters attempted to wake up England players with music and fireworks close to their hotel the night before the sides' last-16 World Cup tie, but were moved back by police. Footage published on social media appears to show a group of fans chanting, playing music and letting off fireworks on a street nearby England's hotel in Mexico City. Early indications from the England camp are it had little to no impact on the players. Police in riot gear have been lining the streets immediately surrounding the hotel, with anyone attempting to get close being moved away. The increased security presence comes because Ecuador - beaten 2-0 by Mexico in the World Cup last 32 - lodged a noise complaint with world governing body Fifa after fans with loudspeakers, motorbikes and horns disrupted their sleep last week. The World Cup co-hosts play England at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium on Sunday evening local time (01:00 BST, Monday). On Saturday, the team were met with a mixture of cheers and jeers from fans as they left their hotel for training under enhanced security measures. England boss Thomas Tuchel dismissed concerns over his side's treatment in Mexico, saying it had been "nicer" than he expected and that home fans were "friendly and respectful" . England fighting history as well as Mexican nation in Azteca cauldron World Cup 2026 knockout path How to watch the World Cup on the BBC and ITV Everything you need to know about the World Cup