England’s football team received a lively reception at 2:15 am today upon their arrival in Mexico City. The crowd outside their hotel in a city suburb booed and jeered as the players disembarked from the team bus. Despite the hostile welcome, the players remained composed, smiling, and waving as they made their way through the lobby to their rooms. Notable players like Jude Bellingham, Reece James, and Jordan Henderson acknowledged the crowd with smiles. The hotel entrance was heavily guarded by over 300 police officers, some armed and equipped with riot shields.
As darkness fell, the police presence intensified with officers banging their shields on the ground as they took their positions. The lead-up to the match had been tumultuous, with the kick-off time initially being moved forward by six hours and then reverted back. However, the Three Lions squad seemed unfazed as they arrived in Mexico City after flying in from Kansas City. They were greeted by a local band, with several players showing appreciation towards the musicians.
Despite the mixed reception, a few England supporters welcomed the team, including one fan sporting a vintage Michael Owen jersey from the 1998 World Cup in France. The weather was cool with light rain, conditions that England hoped would persist over the weekend. Kevin Evans, a fan originally from London but now residing in New Orleans, remarked on the generally positive atmosphere, mentioning some boos but nothing hostile.
Outside the hotel, an eclectic mix of people gathered, with a young couple bringing their newborn baby and a woman accompanied by her two dogs. One individual waved a homemade Mexican flag, adding to the diverse scene. Concerns loomed about potential disruptions by Mexican fans during the night, recalling previous incidents where supporters surrounded hotels and disrupted players’ rest with chanting and fireworks.
England is set to face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium for the first time, with Mexico City’s mayor urging local fans to behave responsibly and empathetically. Ticket demand remains high, with England fans scrambling to secure seats for the match. Ahead of the draw in December, the England Supporters’ Travel Club was allocated 4,000 tickets for the game at the 80,824-capacity stadium.