England players booed and serenaded by 'Mexico' chants on 2am arrival in Mexico City

England’s players were met with boos and chants of “Mexico, Mexico, Mexico” when their team bus pulled up to their Mexico City hotel at 2.15am local time, as the squad relocated from Kansas City ahead of their World Cup fixture at the Azteca stadium.

Dozens of drinkers inside the hotel lobby broke into the chant the moment the players entered, while the crowd outside jeered as they stepped off the coach. Jude Bellingham, Reece James and Jordan Henderson were among those who turned, smiled and waved at the reception rather than react with any visible irritation.

Security was substantial. More than 300 police officers were on duty at the hotel, many carrying riot shields, with others heavily armed. As darkness fell, officers banged their shields on the ground as they moved into position — a sign of the heightened precautions taken after England’s previous base, during the match against Ecuador, was surrounded by hundreds of supporters who kept players awake with chanting and fireworks through the night.

The welcome was not entirely hostile. A local band played as the squad arrived, and several players acknowledged the musicians. A handful of England supporters were also present, including one fan wearing a replica Michael Owen shirt from the 1998 World Cup in France.

The build-up had already been unsettled before the bus even arrived, with the kick-off time for the match shifted forward by six hours before being changed back again. Light rain and cool temperatures greeted the squad — conditions England will hope persist through the weekend.

Kevin Evans, 43, originally from London but now living in New Orleans, was among those outside the hotel. “It’s been pretty good spirited — there’ve been some boos but nothing nasty at all,” he said. “Everyone was chatting together.”

Mexico City mayor Clara Brugada had urged Mexican fans to behave “responsibly, carefully and with empathy” ahead of the fixture, which marks the first time England have played at the Azteca. The 80,824-capacity stadium has been one of the tournament’s most sought-after venues for tickets, with resale prices among the highest of any game. England’s official supporters’ travel club was allocated 4,000 tickets for the match ahead of the draw in December.