Mexican government ‘behind England kick-off chaos’ as fans lay siege to hotel

England’s World Cup last-16 kick-off time was reportedly thrown into confusion after the Mexican government intervened over fears of crowd trouble, according to the Daily Mail. The Three Lions had been braced for a gruelling 1am start against Mexico when news broke that FIFA were exploring moving the match forward by six hours.

The Daily Mail reports that the potential change came amid safety concerns following crowd disorder in the previous round of the tournament, which is understood to have resulted in fatalities. That episode is said to have prompted Mexican authorities to push for adjustments to kick-off arrangements for the last-16 tie.

Hopes of an earlier start

England supporters, both in Mexico and watching from home, had been preparing for the logistical headache of a middle-of-the-night kick-off before word emerged of a possible switch. Fans following the tournament on television in Britain would have been particularly relieved at the prospect of a more sociable viewing time.

According to the Daily Mail, that optimism proved short-lived once the scheduling situation was clarified, with the original late-night slot remaining in place for Thomas Tuchel’s side. The confusion around the timing added to what has already been a tense build-up to the fixture.

Hotel targeted by rowdy fans

Away from the kick-off saga, the Daily Mail also reports that Mexico supporters attempted to disrupt England’s preparations by staging a noisy demonstration outside the Three Lions’ hotel. Fireworks, honking car horns and banging drums were reportedly used through the night in an apparent effort to keep Tuchel’s players awake ahead of the crucial encounter.

The security operation protecting England’s base was described as a “ring of steel”, with a security chief overseeing the response to the disturbances, according to the report. The episode underlines the intense atmosphere surrounding the tie, with Mexican fans desperate to see their side eliminate England on home soil.

Pressure mounts on Tuchel’s squad

The combination of disrupted rest, a demanding late kick-off and the notoriously testing conditions at altitude in Mexico has added to the challenge facing England as they attempt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. Tuchel’s side will hope the off-field distractions do not derail their preparations for what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the last-16 stage.

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