More than 100 riot police in bullet-proof vests are guarding the hotel where England are staying after the team received a hostile reception as they arrived for their World Cup last-16 match against Mexico.
England had been hoping to keep their location secret after Mexico supporters used loud speakers, horns and motorcycles to try to disturb the sleep of Ecuador’s players before their last-32 tie, which the co-hosts won 2-0 on Wednesday night.
But when England’s coach arrived at the hotel, hundreds of fans were already there, with many booing while others chanted “Mexico”.
Around 200 locals were near the hotel on Saturday, which has a fence blocking access and officers from Guardia Nacional lining it.
A police dog and drone are also being used near the hotel while the England team bus is parked outside.
Thomas Tuchel’s men take on the co-hosts in a mouth-watering clash at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm local time om Sunday (0000 GMT on Monday).
FIFA had considered moving kick-off forward due to a forecast for storms in the region but, after five-and-a-half hours of uncertainty on Friday evening, the decision was made to stick with the original schedule, the Press Association understands.
Both England and Mexico had voiced opposition to rescheduling the game less than 48 hours before kick-off.
A hostile reception is far from the only challenge England will face in Mexico City, with the Azteca at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres above sea level, meaning players must adapt to lower levels of oxygen in the air.
Mexico have only been beaten twice in 89 matches at the Azteca, winning 70 and drawing 17. They are unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches at the stadium.
