Head coach, Thomas Tuchel, has dismissed concerns over England’s treatment in Mexico ahead of his team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash, saying the squad has been welcomed with respect despite heightened security around their hotel.
England will face co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday at 18:00 local time (Monday, 01:00 BST) in a match that will determine a place in the quarter-finals.
The spotlight has been on England’s treatment in Mexico since the team arrived in Mexico City on Saturday amid tight security after Ecuador complained to FIFA that supporters disrupted their sleep before their Round of 32 defeat to Mexico.
Ecuador reported that fans used loudspeakers, motorcycles and horns outside their hotel late into the night.
In response, members of Mexico’s National Guard and riot police were deployed around England’s hotel when the team arrived. Fans gathered outside, with some cheering and others jeering as the players made their way inside.
Despite the atmosphere surrounding England’s treatment in Mexico, Tuchel said the team had encountered no problems.
“We had no issues tonight and I think FIFA took care of the situation. We have security around the hotel so we expect a good night’s sleep.
“I don’t want to talk about problems that don’t exist yet. If they come, we will accept them. The best way to approach it is to be relaxed and calm.
ALSO READ: World Cup: England cannot adapt to Mexico City’s altitude in time – Tuchel
“We have a six o’clock kick-off, so if we miss some hours of sleep we will have time to get some other hours in the late morning.
“What I experienced until now was very respectful and emotional and very supportive towards our teams, so we are very respectful towards everyone. We expect to be treated with respect, and that was the case.
“It was even nicer than I expected,” Tuchel said.
Tuchel also spoke about the atmosphere in Mexico City, saying the occasion had added to the excitement of the tournament.
“It just catches you straight away once you land here and see the excitement and the emotions,” he said.
“This will be a proper World Cup match. We are in an iconic place, an iconic stadium and a massive knockout game.
“It is a big stage and we feel it. It makes you sharper and brings the best out of you. It makes you feel alive.”
England are also preparing for the challenge of playing at high altitude.
Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca sits approximately 2,240 metres (7,220 feet) above sea level, where reduced oxygen levels can affect players’ endurance and recovery.
Tuchel admitted he had already noticed the effects.
“We feel it even if we don’t train,” he said. “I felt a slight headache throughout the day, for example.
“I didn’t sleep as well as the days before, but nothing you cannot handle and that you cannot adapt.
“The players felt it in the first minutes of the training session and the longer it went, the better they could cope with it.
“It is just what it is. We cannot physically adapt, it is impossible. But we are here one day before to experience it at least.
“It is not a coincidence Mexico starts their matches strong and aggressively as the first 15 to 20 minutes maybe the tougher. Once we overcome that, I think we are in a good place.
“The players are kind of adapted, you know about the situation. We will take care of what we need to take care of. We need a strong performance, and I feel we will have one.”
