England head coach Thomas Tuchel has played down concerns about his side's reception in Mexico City, describing the atmosphere since arrival as warmer and more welcoming than he had anticipated. The team face Mexico in a World Cup last-16 tie at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, with kick-off at 18:00 local time (01:00 BST on Monday).

Friendly crowds and tight security

As England's squad departed their hotel for a training session on Saturday, they were greeted by a crowd that offered both cheers and jeers. Security around the hotel has been significantly stepped up, with members of Mexico's National Guard stationed at the entrance and police officers in riot gear lining the road outside.

The heightened measures follow a complaint by Ecuador — beaten 2-0 by Mexico in the previous round — who reported to FIFA that supporters armed with loudspeakers, motorbikes, and horns had disrupted their sleep ahead of that match.