Far-left protesters threaten violence against England fans in Mexico over British 'colonialism'

It has also said it wants to "denounce the repression, harassment, and violence that the Mexico City Government has inflicted upon searching families, activists, defenders of land, water and housing, as well as trans comrades and sex workers".

At least two protest groups are plotting to ambush fans and cause disruption similar to scenes witnessed at the tournament's opening match.

There, an unruly mob proceeded to smash up a nearby lorry before hurling flares and stones at police officers.

That disorder is believed to have been sparked by a mob of 200 masked men who broke away from two groups of 800 protesters in the Mexican capital.

Now, police are deploying a staggering 7,500 officers around the Azteca Stadium for the match, which kicks off at 1am UK time on Monday.

This represents the largest security operation ever mounted for an England football fixture, with one police officer present for every 10 supporters inside the ground.

The scale of the operation is nearly four times greater than Metropolitan Police resources deployed at Wembley during the chaotic Euro 2020 final.

Approximately 8,000 England fans will be vastly outnumbered by millions of Mexicans expected to fill the capital's streets.

Fifa had considered moving kick-off six hours earlier, initially citing weather concerns, but abandoned the plan on Friday after both teams objected to insufficient preparation time.

A crush following Mexico's victory over Ecuador last week killed four fans after more than one million people gathered to celebrate.

The tragedy prompted authorities to double security around the Angel of Independence monument and at the fan festival.

Mexico City's mayor Clara Brugada announced on Friday that only 25,000 people would be able to access the Angel monument, a traditional spot for celebrations.

Once that number is reached, supporters will be redirected to alternative locations along the Paseo de la Reforma, where screens will broadcast the match.

England fans have been advised to avoid this area altogether.

An additional 6,000 officers will patrol the Paseo de la Reforma, twice the number deployed on June 30.

England players and coaches were met with boos from rowdy locals when they arrived at their Santa Fe hotel in western Mexico City on Friday evening.

Dozens of police officers had to protect the Three Lions from the mob, with army personnel, national guard members and local police all involved in protecting the squad.

Despite the hostile reception at the hotel, fans in the city are thought to have given England fans a warm welcome - though many travelling supporters have opted not to wear England colours around the city either way.

And in a reprieve for the team, England's first night passed peacefully without large crowds gathering outside to disturb the players' sleep.

The same privilege was not extended to Ecuador's squad before the previous match.

The British ambassador to Mexico attempted to cool concerns last night ahead of the clash.

Susannah Goshko said football had connected Britain and Mexico for around 200 years after British miners settled in Pachuca and introduced the game to the country.

“Football is a really strong connection between England and Mexico," she said. "British miners moved to a place called Pachuca, which is about an hour-and-a-half’s drive from here, 200 years ago, and they brought football with them.

“That was the introduction of football in Mexico and so we’re known for having brought football here.

“I think Mexicans are really excited to be playing England and they’re really looking forward to the game," she added - and told fans to expect “a huge amount of enthusiasm and some gentle ribbing” rather than hostility in Mexico City.