England head coach Thomas Tuchel dismissed security and logistical concerns in Mexico City on Saturday, ahead of his team's World Cup round of 16 fixture against the tournament co-hosts on Sunday.
The squad faced a mixture of cheers and jeers while leaving their hotel under heavy security, following an official noise complaint by Ecuador during the previous round regarding disruptive fans outside the same accommodation.
National Guard members and riot police currently secure the premises to keep opposing fans away from the English delegation.
"We had no issues tonight and I think Fifa took care of the situation," said Tuchel.
The manager explained that the security presence guarantees the team a proper environment to rest before the upcoming knockout stage.
"I don't want to talk about problems that don't exist yet. If they come, we will accept them.
The best way to approach is to be relaxed and calm," said Tuchel.
Tuchel noted that the late kickoff time provides ample opportunity to make up for any lost sleep during the morning hours.
"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," said Tuchel.
The head coach added that his experience with the local environment exceeded his initial expectations.
"It was even nicer than I expected," said Tuchel.
Tuchel detailed the immense football culture and energy that greeted the team immediately upon landing in the capital city.
"It just catches you straight away once you land here and saw the excitement and the emotions," said Tuchel.
The match takes place in a historic venue, elevating the competitive drive of the players involved.
"This will be a proper World Cup match. We are in an iconic place, an iconic stadium and a massive knockout game," said Tuchel.
According to the manager, the scale of the fixture provides a positive psychological edge for his squad.
"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.
In addition to the atmosphere, the lower atmospheric pressure at high altitude causes thinner air, which increases heart rates and accelerates physical fatigue.
Tuchel acknowledged that he experienced a slight headache and reduced sleep quality since arriving on Saturday evening.
"We feel it even if we don't train," said Tuchel.
The coaching staff noticed the squad adjusting to the physical demands as their initial training session progressed.
"I felt a slight headache through the day, for example," said Tuchel.
The manager emphasized that the physiological challenges are manageable and part of the tournament reality.
"I didn't sleep as well as the days before but nothing you cannot handle and that you cannot adapt," said Tuchel.
Tuchel observed that the players required only a few minutes to begin managing the altitude effects.
"The players felt it in the first minutes of the training session and the longer it went they could cope with it better," said Tuchel.
The team arrived one day early to experience the environment, despite complete physical adaptation being impossible.
"It is just what it is. We cannot physically adapt, it is impossible.
But we are here one day before to experience it at least," said Tuchel.
The manager anticipates an aggressive opening phase from the home side due to these environmental factors.
"It is not a coincidence Mexico starts their matches strong and aggressively as the first 15 to 20 minutes maybe the tougher.
Once we overcome that, I think we are in a good place," said Tuchel.
Tuchel expressed absolute confidence in the team's preparation and collective focus ahead of the kickoff.
"The players are kind of adapted - you know about the situation. We will take care of what we need to take care of.
We need a strong performance and I feel we will have one," said Tuchel.
Addressing a previous FIFA U-turn regarding moving the kickoff time forward six hours, Tuchel stated that the squad remained completely unaffected.
"Inside the bubble it was quite calm," said Tuchel.
The players remained unaware of the administrative discussions while traveling to the host nation.
"The players were not aware there was a possible change of kick-off," said Tuchel.
The manager reinforced the philosophy of focusing exclusively on factors within the team's control.
"Just this example shows you to not lose your head - we cannot influence it.
Three and a half hours later, you land in Mexico and the kick-off time stayed the same. It is not worth losing your head," said Tuchel.
The squad relies on internal unity to handle external pressures, high altitude, and the opposing stadium crowd.
"Altitude: it is what it is. Home crowd: it is what it is.
We have the spirit, we have the commitment, we have the pure will and the glue in the team to overcome these things.
We know what is coming. But that is the beauty of it," said Tuchel.
