Riot police guard England's team hotel in Mexico City ahead of World Cup match

There's been growing chaos ahead of England's biggest challenge at this World Cup so far, as they prepare to face co -host Mexico at home.First, it was controversy over how to deal with the altitude in Mexico City.Then, hours of confusion over whether the kickoff time would be changed.And tonight, the team faced the prospect of disrupted sleep, with their hotel surrounded by noisy, opposing fans and riot police.Our sports editor Steve Scott reports from Mexico City.

A soundtrack England will have to get used to during their stay here.There may be increased police security around their hotel, but the majority outside will do anything they can to make sure the Three Lions' American adventure ends in Mexico City.After hours of discussion yesterday, FIFA decided to keep the kick -off time at the Azteca Stadium as scheduled, despite the risk of thunderstorms forecast during the game.For fans already here, the potential move was irritating.Others yet to arrive had to dip into their pockets again.

Your dad actually had to change his flight?Yeah, he's now coming via Panama today because of that.So he's booked another flight just in case.

Mexico City is a host venue like none in the States.For England, it will certainly not feel like a home from home.Unlike previous matches, England supporters will be outnumbered.And as usual, there will be no segregation in the stands.British police here in Mexico say there is a much higher risk attached to this game.

We're going to be massively outnumbered, so it'll be a fantastic atmosphere.Generally, I think the Mexicans are pretty well disposed towards the UK, so that's positive.But people just need to be sensible.We all know in a crowd, things can happen.Be aware, be aware of your surroundings.

England's players have purely been focused on the challenge itself.Mexico at altitude in front of a baying home crowd.

We can win the game and go to the next round.All the accolades and the stats and achievements can come after, but first and foremost, try and win the game.

Mexico's players will explode out of the blocks to unsettled England tomorrow, and that could set the tone for the whole game.Whatever the outcome, though, it will be an unforgettable day for players and fans alike.

So the kickoff is back to its original time, but those storms are still threatening.Steve sent us this update a short time ago.

The latest from local forecasters is that thunderstorms are increasingly likely during the game.If they came, that would mean FIFA would have to invoke its safety protocol, which essentially means if there's a lightning strike within eight kilometres or so of the stadium, the game would have to be stopped and delayed for at least 30 minutes.But it would be delayed for another 30 minutes after every subsequent lightning strike.So if you're watching at home in the UK, you could be in for an all -nighter.And of course, it's also something else for England's players have to deal with, not just the home fans and the altitude.And now, of course, that the Mexican fans have found out where they're staying.

And as Ecuador found out, what they love to do the night before a game is to play the drums very loud, set off fireworks to disrupt the opposition players' sleep.Now, the police have set up a more robust presence there for England's stay here.But whether that will be effective or not, we're not going to find out for a good few hours yet.