FIFA investigation into Mexico ordered as England prepare for carbon copy situation before World Cup clash

FIFA have been told to launch an investigation into Mexico ahead of England's World Cup showdown.

England booked their place in the last 16 of the competition with a 2-1 victory over DR Congo, thanks to their saviour Harry Kane, who scored a second-half brace to turn the game around.

The Three Lions have since been preparing for their clash against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, and the build-up has been marred by controversy.

It was reported that the kick-off time was set to be given a drastic change, with both teams expressing concerns about the game being moved forward six hours due to weather concerns.

FIFA then confirmed the fixture would go ahead as planned at 6pm local time and 1am UK time, with the soon departing Prime Minister Kier Starmer confirming that pubs allowed to stay open until 5am.

Controversy hasn't just centred on potential changes to the kick off time and adverse weather conditions, but also the hostile atmosphere created by Mexico fans.

According to FIFA rules, Mexico could face a punishment for what their supporters chanted in the 2-0 victory over Ecuador, and that isn't the only reason they could be sanctioned.

Ecuador release statement as investigation called on Mexico

Ecuador endured a nightmare on and off the pitch during their last 32 showdown against El Tri. Not only were they outclassed by Javier Aguirre's men, but the treatment they were received before, during and after the game was poor.

Firstly, their flight into the country was mysteriously delayed by several hours, and then issues continued at their hotel where civilians attempted to cause maximum disruption through loudspeakers, horns and motorcycles.

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Ecuadorian press were even attacked during the game, and that prompted the nation to release a statement, ordering FIFA to launch an investigation into Mexico after their behaviour spiralled out of control.

"The Federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA, requesting a detailed investigation into the events that occurred before and during the match—including all those that may have compromised safety and security issues for our fans and players.

"This is the correct and official channel to clarify any situation related to a match of this magnitude."

England already have to deal with incredibly tough conditions with their stadium being 7,000 ft above sea level, and if the treatment of Ecuador is anything to go by, supporters going to and form the stadium will need to be careful.

Mexico haven't progressed into the quarter-finals of the tournament since the 1986 World Cup and will be desperate to pull off an upset against England, making the surrounding areas of the stadium potentially more hostile.

It's also been widely covered that they've only lost two of their 89 competitive matches at the Azteca since 1966, though the average FIFA ranking of those opponents is 57th, according to Opta.

One thing is for sure, though, the Three Lions will have to be much-improved from their 2-1 win over DR Congo to reach a third successive World Cup quarter-final.