Thomas Tuchel may have already made the decision that will cost England victory against Mexico

It might make a huge difference

The Three Lions will face the World Cup co-hosts on Monday amid concerns of another Spygate ahead of the round-of-16 game.

For a place in the quarter-finals, England are currently preparing to take on Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca at 1am UK time on Monday.

The Three Lions flew from Atlanta back to their training camp in Kansas City following the comeback win against DR Congo, inspired by captain Harry Kane in the second half.

As the Azteca stadium sits 2,240m above sea level, some have questioned why the squad didn’t fly straight to Mexico in order to adapt to the climate.

Meanwhile, Tuchel has described the stadium’s elevation as a “huge advantage” for co-hosts Mexico.

However, one of the main reasons why England will only travel on Friday has now been revealed.

The Three Lions want to avoid a Spygate

As per the Mail, in order to avoid potential spies, the German coach wants to work on his tactics for the game in a secure environment.

So far, England have made sure that all of the tactical sessions were done away from prying eyes and that they were well-guarded.

Security guards as well as police officers are stationed at various points on the perimeter of the training ground in Kansas City, where England’s players will continue returning after each knockout game, should they progress further.

In addition to delaying the trip to Mexico, there are other potential issues for England and it has to do with the Mexican fans.

Mexico hosted Ecuador in the round of 32, and the latter’s football association have filed a formal complaint after locals set off fireworks and used air horns, drums, motorbikes as well as loud music outside of their team hotel.

This was done in the early hours before their 2-0 defeat against the tournament’s co-hosts.

Meanwhile, England are keeping the location of their hotel a secret.

Following the win against DR Congo in the round of 32, Tuchel said: “We will expect that (noise outside the hotel). But what can we do? We will bring earplugs. I expect everything.”

How Estadio Azteca compares to the last stadium England played in

The pitch in Mexico City sits 2,240 metres (7,350 feet) above sea level, and at that altitude the air is thinner.

What this means for the players is that each breath delivers less oxygen to the body and the ball travels faster and farther.

In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which is where where England beat DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday, is just over 300 metres above sea level.

“It is maybe one of the most beautiful fixtures, the most exciting fixtures that you can have, to play against Mexico in the Azteca,” Tuchel said.

“And there will be a lot of obstacles waiting for us, not to mention the altitude will be, of course, a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it in four days. It’s just impossible.”

The German said he relished the challenge for his team, who were one of the pre-tournament favourites, and is confident The Three Lions will cope.

“More obstacles may come, but we are ready for that,” he said. “We need it.

Maybe we have the ideal platform now to genuinely believe that we are ready for that and when the going gets tough that we will find the answers.”

England may have one element in their favour

It is likely that one element in England’s favour is gloing to be the weather, with rain forecast and temperatures predicted to be cool for the evening kick-off.

However, on the flip side, they must deal with the Azteca factor and fervent Mexico fans inside and outside the stadium.

More than one million people took to the streets of Mexico’s capital after Tuesday’s 2-0 win against Ecuador in the round of 32, with at least four deaths reported.

While Mexico are not among the favourites to win the World Cup, they boast a frightening record at Azteca, losing just twice in 89 matches there.

Javier Aguirre’s team have made it through to the last 16 without conceding a single goal and were particularly impressive in the first half of their win against Ecuador.

The stadium, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, holds particular historical significance for England, who are playing there for the first time since a 2-1 defeat by Argentina at the 1986 World Cup, famous for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal.