England Sleep Soundly Despite Mexico Fan Fireworks

Mexico supporters tried to disrupt England’s preparation for their World Cup last-16 clash by setting off fireworks and blasting music near the team hotel in Mexico City, but the attempt appears to have fallen flat. Footage shared on social media showed a group of fans chanting, playing loud music, and letting off fireworks on a street close to where the England squad is staying. Police in riot gear quickly arrived to push the group further away, preventing any serious disturbance. Early reports from within the England camp suggest the players were barely affected. The noise failed to keep anyone awake, with staff indicating the impact was minimal at best. The heavy security presence around the hotel follows a complaint from Ecuador, who lost 2-0 to Mexico in the previous round. Ecuador officials had reported to FIFA that their players were kept awake by fans using loudspeakers, motorbikes, and horns before that match. England now face Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Sunday evening local time (01:00 BST Monday) in what promises to be a hostile atmosphere. On Saturday, the squad was met with a mix of cheers and jeers as they left for training under tightened security. England boss Thomas Tuchel brushed off any concerns about the team’s treatment in Mexico, stating it had been “nicer” than he had anticipated and describing the local fans as “friendly and respectful.”