Mexican authorities have said there will be 17,000 police officers on duty in Mexico City on Sunday.

Some 7,500 officers will be deployed to the Azteca stadium for the match, which is scheduled to kick off at 6pm local time today (1am Monday BST).

It is the biggest operation ever seen for an England football match, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

England had been hoping to keep their location secret in the run up to the game, after Mexico supporters used loud speakers, horns and motorcycles to try to disturb the sleep of Ecuador’s players before their last-32 tie, which the co-hosts won 2-0 on Wednesday night.

Police outside the England squad’s hotel in Santa Fe, Mexico City

PA

But when England’s coach arrived at the hotel, hundreds of fans were already there, with many booing while others chanted “Mexico”.

Around 200 locals were near the hotel on Saturday, which has a fence blocking access and officers from Guardia Nacional lining it.

A police dog and drone are also being used near the hotel while the England team bus is parked outside.

England captain Harry Kane said he hopes his side can provide the perfect antidote for Monday morning blues by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals.

“We know how much the World Cup means to everyone and all the fans at home, so I’m hoping there will be a few all-nighters to be honest, just going all the way through and celebrating until the next day and then catch up on some sleep after that.

More than 100 riot police were deployed to England’s squad hotel

PA

“Obviously it’s very late and we all appreciate the support. That’s what sometimes makes the World Cup so unique is these different timings and different memories that you create.

Read More

“I think everyone would love nothing more than to be celebrating as the sun’s rising at 5 or 6am.”

Pub landlords in the UK had been waiting to hear news from Fifa, with emergency legislation passed by Sir Keir Starmer to allow premises to stay open late for the round-of-16 match.

England manager Thomas Tuchel looks on as he inspects the pitch at the Azteca stadium on Saturday, July 4

Getty

On Friday evening, Fifa sources indicated no decision was ever taken to reschedule the game from its 6pm local time (1am Monday UK time) slot at the Estadio Azteca and the relevant stakeholders will continue monitoring relevant factors.

Potential storm conditions in Mexico’s capital led to reports that an earlier kick-off time of 12pm local time – 7pm on Sunday in the UK – was being considered.

Prime Minister Sir Keir cheered on Kane’s team as he predicted supporters would stay up through the night to watch the “big game”.

He said: “Mexico are a tough side to beat but we have a squad that knows what it takes to win.

“After the false hope of an earlier night, I know fans across the country will be staying up late to get behind the England team. And thanks to our change to pub licensing, they will be able to do that at their local, all through the early hours.