England are making careful preparations ahead of their FIFA World Cup last-16 encounter with Mexico in Mexico City, with manager Thomas Tuchel's squad taking steps to guard against sleep disruption caused by rowdy local supporters.

The two sides meet on Sunday — kicking off at 01:00 BST on Monday morning — and England are set to arrive in Mexico City on Friday. That represents a shift from their usual routine of travelling to the host city on the eve of a match; a mandatory FIFA open training session the day before the game requires the squad to train in Mexico rather than return from their Kansas City base.

Learning from Ecuador's ordeal

England's concern about fan interference is not unfounded. Ecuador filed a formal complaint with FIFA after Mexico supporters deliberately disrupted their players' sleep, using loudspeakers, horns, and motorcycles outside the team's hotel late at night. Ecuador had been staying at the Westin Hotel in Mexico City during that tie.

England have chosen to keep their hotel location undisclosed, though staff acknowledge that details could still surface on social media. As a precaution, players and staff who have not brought personal sleeping aids — such as ear plugs or sleep bands — will be offered natural sleep remedies and white noise audio machines.

Altitude: Tuchel admits the disadvantage

Beyond the fan problem, England must also contend with Mexico City's punishing altitude. The city sits at an average elevation of approximately 2,240 metres above sea level, where reduced oxygen levels can significantly affect athletic performance — particularly for players who have not acclimatised.

Mexico, by contrast, have played all four of their World Cup matches so far at high altitude: three at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and one in Guadalajara, which itself averages 1,566 metres above sea level.

Tuchel was candid about the challenge his side face.