England adjust Mexico plans with sleep protection and altitude concerns in focus

England are taking steps to protect their players' sleep before facing Mexico, with their hotel location set to be kept private and sleep aids available for squad members who need them. The measures come before their World Cup last-16 tie in Mexico City, where altitude is also a major concern.

The precautions follow Ecuador's complaint to FIFA after Mexico supporters reportedly made noise outside their team hotel during the night. England are aware their own base could still become known through social media, so staff are preparing options such as white-noise machines and natural sleep remedies for those without their own ear plugs or sleep bands.

England are due to arrive in Mexico City on Friday, giving them two nights in the capital before the match. That is a shift from their recent routine of travelling to the host city the night before, but tournament rules now require a part-open local training session on the day before the game.

The sporting challenge may be just as significant as the logistical one. Mexico City sits at roughly 2,240 metres above sea level, and Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged England cannot properly adapt to the conditions in the limited time available, while Mexico have already played all four of their tournament matches at high-altitude venues.