Armed police have been deployed outside England’s team hotel in Mexico City amid concerns that local supporters could attempt to disrupt Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash against the host nation.
Security has been significantly tightened around the Marriott Hotel in the capital, where England are based, following reports that Mexican fans could gather outside the premises to create noise and disturbance during the night.
Authorities are said to be taking no chances after previous incidents involving visiting teams, where large crowds used fireworks, horns and chanting in attempts to disrupt opponents’ rest ahead of matches.
Photographs from the area show a heavy police presence, including riot officers and personnel equipped with specialist anti-drone devices designed to block or interfere with unmanned aerial systems.
Local reports suggest Mexican supporters, known for their intense backing of the national team, had previously gathered outside rival team hotels during earlier rounds of the tournament.
England had reportedly hoped to keep their accommodation location undisclosed to avoid such disruptions, but the information was later shared by local media and journalists, allowing fans to identify the hotel.
Concerns have grown that supporters may attempt similar tactics ahead of the high-profile knockout match, scheduled for an early morning kick-off.
One reporter described the security operation outside the hotel as unprecedented, noting the scale of the police deployment along surrounding roads.
Authorities have cordoned off multiple lanes near the hotel to maintain a buffer zone between fans and the team’s base.
England’s preparations are also being shaped by challenging conditions at the venue, including high altitude and expected adverse weather, which could further complicate matchday proceedings.
