FIFA rule presents huge problem for England's preparations for Mexico World Cup clash

England's preparations for the round of 16 clash with Mexico could be severely impacted because of a FIFA rule they must follow.

England squeezed into the next stage of the competition after a late 2-1 win over DR Congo in the round of 32.

The Three Lions found themselves 1-0 down early on after Brian Cipenga gave the African nation a shock lead.

England struggled for large spells but captain and talisman Harry Kane came to rescue with a late double - with both goals set up by Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon after he came off the bench.

Thomas Tuchel's side now face the tough task of Mexico in front of their die-hard fans at the iconic Estadio Azteca, where they have not only lost two of their last 88 competitive matches since 1966.

Home advantage has proved key for the co-hosts, who are yet to concede a single goal in the tournament.

Mexico's supporters have been a 12th man for the team throughout the competition and their role has even extended to pre-match activities.

El Tri's fans have been disrupting the preparations of opposition players, to the point that the Ecuadorian Football Federation filed an official complaint for the behaviour of supporters who gathered outside their hotel and tried to keep them awake.

According to Jeremy Cross of The Mirror, Mexico fans are looking to repeat their traditional antics against England.

They are planning to bring loudspeakers, cars, music, motorbikes and horns to create deafening noise at the hotel England are staying in.

Local police will be on hand at the hotel but may struggle to contain the hostile scenes.

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England would ideally prefer to arrive late on in Mexico City to help with their adaptation to the high altitude and wish to keep their hotel base a secret when they travel from their Kansas City camp.

But FIFA rules stipulate that teams must be in the city where the fixture is taking place 24 hours before kick-off. Mexico vs England is an 8pm kick-off local time on Sunday night, meaning the one-time world champions must be in the area on Saturday night.

That is when the Mexican people will look to cause a disturbance in an attempt to ruin stop Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and company from getting a good night's sleep.

Thomas Tuchel names 'impossible' obstacle England face in World Cup round of 16

The stadium where England will play Mexico sits at 7,200 ft above sea level and presents a huge challenge for England's players with the thinner air and a significant reduction in oxygen.

It means covering distance could become tougher for England players and allow fatigue to set in quicker.

Tuchel is well aware of the issue and has not showed away from the fact that he and his team cannot do anything about it.

“The altitude will be a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it," Tuchel admitted.

"It just takes too much time. We have only three days in between these matches. It's physically just not possible to adapt to the altitude.

"That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have.

"In four days, it's just impossible. More obstacles may come, but we are ready for that.

"This is just something with which we will have to deal. And I think we showed the attitude that we are ready for that."