England’s ring of steel at risk as Mexicans LEAK their team hotel and abuse them on arrival ahead of World Cup last-16 clash

England received a hostile reception after the location of their hotel in Mexico City was leaked and local fans shouted abuse at them upon arrival.

And this puts the rings of steel, including metal barriers and a large police squad with riot shields, under threat from Mexico fans who are bound to cause more trouble.

Thomas Tuchel and his team are bracing the players for serious disruption overnight after Mexican fans cacophonyed the streets to keep Ecuador sleepless in the round of 32.

England will face the World Cup co-hosts at the Estadio Azteca on Monday at 1am UK time; however, FIFA began negotiations to postpone the match six hours later to 19:00 on Sunday due to the threat of thunderstorms.

The confusion, which horrified the FA and even angered the Mexican team, has only complicated preparations for what will be a major altitude test for the Three Lions.

When the team buses pulled up in front of their hotel and fans filled the streets chanting ‘Mexico, Mexico!’ England was showered with boos and whistles.

Players were treated badly when the team bus pulled up and even when they entered their hotel.

A large police presence with riot shields was set up outside the England team’s hotel

They were even blocked from entering the building when Harry Kane turned his head as people shouted his name over and over.

At least they had one supporter, a Mexican man who shouted ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as he led them off the team bus.

Although England wanted to spend time acclimating to Mexico, they actually postponed their trip due to espionage concerns.

Rather than heading straight to their next World Cup destination, the Three Lions returned from Atlanta to their base in Kansas City following their dramatic 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday night.

Daily Mail Sport understands that one of the main reasons for doing this is to ensure that Thomas Tuchel can create his tactical plan and formation in a safe environment, away from prying eyes.

During the tournament, England returns to its headquarters near the middle of the United States. One of the factors behind the decision to be based in Kansas City is logistics and the fact that it means they won’t have to face long flights.

However, it is understood that Tuchel is determined that his plans are not leaked and that vital preparations, including team formation, are carried out in the best protected place possible.

The possibility of others spying on Britain was an important part of the planning, and the view in the camp appears to have been that a trip to Mexico City would bring increased risks.

Indeed, if England reach the final in New York, they will return to Kansas City after the semi-final. The Three Lions training ground in Kansas City is guarded by police and security guards are stationed at various locations around the area when attending sessions.

England delays flight to Mexico to retrain in Kansas City over espionage fears

Police expect Mexican public to be disturbed after disrupting Ecuador’s sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep in Mexico can be difficult. Ecuador, which Mexico defeated in the round of 32, lodged a formal complaint after a significant number of locals set off fireworks and used air horns, drums, motorcycles and loud music outside their hotels until the early hours in an attempt to deprive their opponents of sleep.

“This behavior is far from the principles of fair play, equality and unity that a World Cup should represent,” Ecuador’s football federation said in a statement.

There were also reports of Mexican fans attacking visiting journalists; An Ecuadorian TV journalist was hit in the face by what appeared to be a beer glass during a live broadcast.

The FA and Tuchel are aware of the situation. Following Harry Kane’s heroics in Atlanta, the German said: ‘We’re expecting it (the noise outside the hotel). So what can we do? We will bring earplugs. ‘I’m waiting for everything.’

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