A report has quoted an England security official as joking that games at Everton left the England squad well placed to deal with distraction efforts
Members of the national guard stand next to the bus that transported England's national football team players from the Marriott Hotel to a training session ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Mexico, in Mexico City. Photo by Claudia Rosel / AFP via Getty Images
Members of the national guard stand next to the bus that transported England's national football team players from the Marriott Hotel to a training session ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Mexico, in Mexico City. Photo by Claudia Rosel / AFP via Getty Images
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The efforts of Mexico supporters to disrupt the sleep of England players ahead of their big World Cup clash had nothing on the intensity of Everton fans, according to Three Lions security.
Music was played and fireworks set off in the streets outside the England squad’s hotel on Saturday night as part of efforts to undermine their preparations for the round-of-16 game.
Footage from Mexico City showcased the efforts people went to ahead of the fixture at the Azteca Stadium - though a report in the Mail said it had little impact on the players inside, including Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The outlet quoted an England security official as stating many of the players were used to hostile environments and joking: “Sometimes the atmosphere at Everton is worse.”
He added: “They're used to playing for Real Madrid, Barcelona and the biggest Premier League clubs… This isn't their first experience of something like this.”
Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the England team hotel before police and other officials pushed them further away and behind a series of railings.
Everton supporters turned Goodison Park into a fierce battleground during the final years at the Grand Old Lady, with coach welcomes and crowd displays at the old stadium paving the way for memorable rescue acts and Merseyside derbies.
Efforts included setting fireworks off outside the hotels of visiting rivals.
Work is ongoing to replicate the best of Goodison at Hill Dickinson Stadium and progress was made in the final home games of the season.
England's World Cup last-16 clash with hosts Mexico is scheduled to kick-off at 1am UK time on Sunday. Three Lions goalkeeper Pickford is poised to start and win his 89th cap.