Mexico fans fail to wake England players ahead of World Cup clash
Mexico supporters attempted to disturb England players' sleep with music and fireworks near their hotel before the last-16 World Cup match, but police moved them away.
Mexico fans trying to wake up the England players with music and fireworks near their hotel before the sides' last-16 World Cup tie were moved back by police.
Social media footage showed a group chanting, playing music, and setting off fireworks on a street next to the England hotel in Mexico City. Early signs from the England camp indicated minimal impact on the players.
Police in riot gear lined the streets around the hotel, moving away anyone who tried to get close. The increased security followed a complaint from Ecuador, who lost 2-0 to Mexico in the World Cup last 32, about noise from fans with loudspeakers, motorbikes, and horns disrupting their sleep.
The co-hosts Mexico play England at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Sunday evening local time (01:00 BST Monday). On Saturday, the England team were met with cheers and jeers as they left for training under heightened security.
England boss Thomas Tuchel dismissed concerns about the treatment, saying it had been "nicer" than expected and that home fans were "friendly and respectful".
