‘Nicer than I expected’: England’s coach Thomas Tuchel praises Mexico fans

The team trained under enhanced security measures with Mexico’s National Guard entrance to England’s hotel, while police officers in riot gear stood next to barriers on the road outside.

Tuchel said that there were some problems due to altitude but in terms of fans, he was pleasantly surprised.

“It was even nicer than I expected.What I experienced until now was very respectful and emotional and very supportive towards our teams, so we are very respectful towards everyone. We expect to be treated with respect and that was the case,” he said.

“It is just what it is. We cannot physically adapt, it is impossible. But we are here at least one day before to experience it,” Tuchel said about the altitude problem.

The English football team shares a historic relation with the Azecta Stadium where they are scheduled to play Mexico.

It is the same venue where Argentine legend Diego Maradona scored two goals that would stay in the history books forever: the ‘goal of the century’ and the infamous ‘hand of the god’.

“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,” said Tuchel.