England’s preparations for their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico were disrupted after hundreds of home fans gathered outside the team’s hotel in the early hours, using drums, trumpets and fireworks to keep the players awake.The incident came as England were already trying to adapt to the rigors of playing in Mexico City, where the top flight is expected to be a big factor during the knockout stage at the Estadio Azteca. Despite the setback, England manager Thomas Tuchel insisted his players are focused on the task ahead.Watch:Tuchel admitted that he had experienced some problems in the Mexico City climb, including headaches and poor sleep, but stressed that the team is changing.“We hear it [the altitude]even if we didn’t train,” Tuchel told reporters. “I had a slight headache in the hotel room all day and I didn’t sleep as well as the previous days, but it’s nothing you can’t do and nothing you can’t get used to.”“I think the players felt it in the first minutes of the training session and after a long time, they can deal with it better. That’s how it is. We can’t get used to the body, it’s impossible. But we’re here another day to face it, so we don’t have the first time tomorrow.”The England manager also warned that Mexico’s aggressive performance at home, combined with difficulties, could make the game even more difficult for his team.“It’s not a coincidence that Mexico usually starts their matches at home often very strong, very forward, very aggressive because I think the first 15-20 minutes will probably be the most difficult for us. Once we overcome this and we have experienced a little bit today, I think we are in a good place,” he said.England go into the match after beating DR Congo 2-1 in the previous round, but face a tough challenge against a Mexico side who are yet to score a goal in the competition.
