Tuchel praises respectful Mexico fans amid increased security

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Tuchel praises respectful Mexico fans amid increased securityImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Thomas Tuchel's England will face Mexico in the World Cup last 16 on Monday at 01:00 BST (18:00 Sunday local time)BySami Mokbel Senior football correspondent in Mexico CityPublished29 minutes agoThomas Tuchel has dismissed concerns over England's treatment in Mexico as they prepare to face the World Cup co-hosts - saying it had been "nicer than I expected" and that home fans were "friendly and respectful". Tuchel's side take on Mexico in a last-16 match that kicks off at 18:00 local time on Sunday (Monday 01:00 BST, live on One, iPlayer and Radio 5 Live). On Saturday, the team were met with a mixture of cheers and jeers from fans as they left their hotel for training under enhanced security measures in Mexico City.

Ecuador - beaten 2-0 by Mexico in the World Cup last 32 - lodged a noise complaint with Fifa after fans with loudspeakers, motorbikes and horns disrupted their sleep last week. As a result, members of Mexico's National Guard lined the entrance to England's hotel, while police officers in riot gear stood next to barriers on the road outside. "We had no issues tonight and I think Fifa took care of the situation," head coach Tuchel said.

The Details

"We have security around the hotel so we expect a good night's sleep. "I don't want to talk about problems that don't exist yet. If they come, we will accept them.

The best way to approach is to be relaxed and calm. "We have a six o'clock kick-off, so if we miss some hours of sleep we will have time to get some other hours in the late morning. "What I experienced until now was very respectful and emotional and very supportive to towards our teams so are very respectful towards everyone.

We expect to be treated with respect and that was the case. "It was even nicer than I expected. "Tuchel said he had felt the energy in Mexico City.

What Experts Say

"It just catches you straight away once you land here and saw the excitement and the emotions," he said. "This will be a proper World Cup match. We are in an iconic place, an iconic stadium and a massive knockout game.

"It is a big stage and we feel it. It makes you sharper and brings the best out of you. It makes you feel alive.

"Mexico v EnglandMonday, 6 July (01:00 BST)Azteca Stadium, Mexico City Watch on iPlayerWatch live on One, iPlayer and the Sport website and app; listen live on Radio 5 Live and SoundsListen: Football Daily podcastTuchel and squad feel altitude impactAnother big talking point has been the altitude in Mexico City - with the Estadio Azteca 7,220ft (2,240m) above sea level. That means the Earth's barometric pressure is lower, making the air thinner and meaning less oxygen is taken into the bloodstream with each breath. This can lead to increased heart rate, shortness of breath, dehydration, and quicker and more intense fatigue.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.