\n<\/p>\n
England had hoped to keep their location secret after hundreds of Mexico supporters surrounded the base of last-32 opponents Ecuador’s base, using car horns, roaring motorcycle engines and loud hailers to create a disturbance.<\/p>\n
It was all to no avail as home fans descended on England’s hotel, where there has been a huge security presence, after their arrival.<\/p>\n
Head coach Thomas Tuchel was visibly relishing the atmosphere and the occasion when he spoke at the Azteca, saying: “We saw the excitement and the emotions of the people when we arrived. They were emotional but also very, very respectful.<\/p>\n
“We felt the energy of the place right away, the people on the streets. You can feel the excitement. This is a next-level setting.<\/p>\n
“I felt straight away this would be a proper World Cup game. We are in an iconic place and an iconic stadium. It is just the biggest stage and we feel it.”<\/p>\n
He added: “Mexico will give us a taste of the intensity, the heat and we must find solutions to that.<\/p>\n
“It will be emotional and full of support for the home team. We are at a stadium that can create an atmosphere to the advantage of the home team and create momentum and belief, but we have very experienced players.”<\/p>\n
England’s last visit to the Azteca acquired permanent notoriety when Diego Maradona’s Hand Of God goal gave Argentina the lead in the World Cup quarter-final, adding a breathtaking second with a slalom run and finish to seal their 2-1 win.<\/p>\n
And back in 1970, Mexico was where England, under Sir Alf Ramsey, embarked on an ill-fated campaign to retain the World Cup won at Wembley four years previously.<\/p>\n
England’s decision to ship their own food to Mexico, some of which was impounded – although the fish fingers made it through – offended the locals, who pride themselves on their hospitality.<\/p>\n
Mexican supporters took against England and the austere Ramsey, expressing their displeasure by openly favouring England’s opponents in every game.<\/p>\n
And before the World Cup even started, there was the infamous incident involving England’s inspirational captain Bobby Moore, who was accused of stealing a bracelet from a shop at their hotel in Bogota, Colombia.<\/p>\n
There were fears Moore could miss the start of the tournament, but he was eventually released an innocent man, with even then Prime Minister Harold Wilson coming to his aid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n