FIFA Responds to Mexico Fan Scandal; England's Hotel Guarded by National Guard and Police

"The fans were friendly and respectful," BBC Sport quoted Tuchel as saying.

England is set to challenge host nation Mexico on Sunday at 6:00 PM local time, which will be two hours past midnight on Sunday into Monday in Slovakia. The English squad's Saturday training session was conducted under heightened security, a measure that also extended to their bus departure from the hotel to the match venue.

Just days prior, Ecuador's players endured a sleepless night before their Round of 16 match against Mexico, as fervent home fans systematically disrupted them outside their team hotel with shouts, blaring motorcycle horns, and loud music from speakers. Ecuador lodged a complaint with FIFA, but ultimately lost the match 0-2.

This time, organizers left nothing to chance, deploying members of the Mexican National Guard and dozens of police officers outside the English team's hotel, ready to intervene if necessary.

"We had no issues last night. I think FIFA handled the situation well. We have security around the hotel, so we expect a good night's sleep," Tuchel stated after training. "I don't want to talk about problems that don't exist yet. If they arise, we will accept them. The best way to approach this is to be relaxed and calm," added the 52-year-old German, currently managing the "Three Lions."

Tuchel also mentioned feeling an immense energy since arriving in Mexico City. The World Cup is a monumental event in this multi-million-strong city, with local Mexicans viewing it as a divine gift, especially when their national team faces England in the knockout stages.

"It grabs you immediately when you land and see the excitement and emotions. This will be a true World Cup match in an iconic location and an iconic stadium. It's the biggest football stage, and we all feel it. I believe this match will bring out the best in my players. We all want to survive and advance," Tuchel concluded.

Another widely discussed topic is the extreme altitude of the match venue, as the 87,000-seat Azteca Stadium is situated at 2240 meters above sea level. The Earth's barometric pressure is lower at this altitude, resulting in thinner air and less oxygen entering the bloodstream with each breath. This can lead to an accelerated heart rate, shortness of breath, dehydration, and quicker, more intense fatigue.

"We feel it, even when we're not training. It also manifests as mild headaches. I haven't slept as well as in previous days. However, it's not something we can't handle or adapt to. During training, the start is always tougher, but you gradually adjust. You can't adapt one hundred percent, but by arriving a day earlier, we'll at least have experienced it," Tuchel explained.

According to the England coach, it's no coincidence that Mexico gives absolutely everything in the opening minutes of their matches, aiming to surprise opponents with physicality and aggression in challenging breathing conditions. Therefore, he expects his players not to underestimate the first 20 minutes of the game.

"Once we get through that, I think we'll be in a good position. The players are already somewhat adapted to the situation. It will be about not losing our heads in any situation. We will take care of what we need to take care of. We need a strong team performance, and I think we will have it," Tuchel added.