England’s preparations for their World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico were disrupted after hundreds of home fans gathered outside the team hotel in the early hours, using drums, trumpets and fireworks in an apparent attempt to keep the players awake.The incident comes as England are already struggling to adapt to the challenges of playing in Mexico City, with altitude expected to be a major factor in the knockout rounds at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Despite the disruption, England manager Thomas Tuchel insisted his players remained focused on the task ahead.watch:Tuchel admitted he has personally experienced some effects of Mexico City’s altitude, including headaches and trouble sleeping, but stressed the team is adapting.“We feel it [the altitude]”Even if we don’t train,” Tuchel told reporters, “I had a bit of a headache all day in the hotel room and my sleep wasn’t as good as it was the other day, but it’s nothing that you can’t handle and adapt to.”“I think the players feel it in the first minute of training and the longer it goes on, the better they cope with it. That’s what it is. We can’t adapt physically, it’s impossible. But we at least come here and experience it the day before instead of going through all the first experiences tomorrow.”The England boss also warned that Mexico’s aggression at home, combined with difficult conditions, could make the opening stages of the game particularly challenging for his side.“Mexico usually starts games at home, usually very strong, very early, very aggressive, and that’s no coincidence because I think the first 15-20 minutes are probably the toughest for us. Once we get over that, and we’ve been through some of that today, I think we’re in a good position,” he added.England defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in the last round to enter the main draw, but they will face a severe challenge from Mexico, which has not conceded a goal in this tournament.
