England will face World Cup co-hosts Mexico on Monday, but manager Thomas Tuchel has taken extra precautions ahead of the round of 16 match.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is wary of spies (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
England have postponed their trip to Mexico City for Monday’s World Cup final over concerns about preventing a recurrence of Spygate.
The Three Lions are currently preparing to take on the tournament’s co-hosts at the iconic Estadio Azteca at 1am UK time on Monday in a bid to reach the quarter-finals.
England returned from Atlanta to their training camp in Kansas City after Harry Kane sparked a second-half comeback to beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1. Some have questioned why Thomas Tuchel’s team did not head directly to Mexico to adapt to the climate.
Azteca is located 2,240 meters above sea level, which Tuchel described as a “huge advantage” for Mexico. However, it turns out that one of the main reasons Britain only travels on Fridays is the fear of being spied on.
The Mail reports that Tuchel wants to work out his tactics for the match in a safe environment to avoid potential spies. England have so far ensured that all tactical sessions are closely monitored and kept away from prying eyes.
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In Kansas City, security guards have been stationed at various locations around the training ground as England’s players are expected to continue returning after each final round if they advance. Police officers are also present.
How Middlesbrough would have wanted such protection before a Southampton analyst spied one of their training sessions in the run-up to May’s Championship play-offs. That led to the infamous Spygate scandal, which saw Southampton lose their place in the final and Middlesbrough took their place, losing 1-0 to Hull City at Wembley.
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England is based in Kansas City (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Playing in Mexico poses other potential problems for England. In the round of 32, Mexico hosted Ecuador, but before the team’s 2-0 defeat, local residents were accused of setting off fireworks, using horns, drums, motorbikes and even loud music outside the team hotel in the early hours of the morning, with the soccer federation filing formal charges.
England have kept the location of their hotel a secret, and Tuchel said after defeating Congo in the Round of 32: “We’re expecting it (the noise outside the hotel). But what can we do? Bring earplugs. We’re anticipating everything.”
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