The England squad is bracing itself for the mother of all welcomes – or so it seems. As they settled into their Mexico City hotel, a 'ring of steel' was thrown around them by armed police, a move that's got the locals itching to give the visitors a 'traditional Mexican welcome'. Let's just say the idea of being woken up at midnight by fireworks and chanting fans might not be music to the ears of Gareth Southgate's men.
The authorities are taking no chances, keen to prevent any repeat of the Ecuador team's nightmare in their hotel. It's been reported that crowds outside kept them awake for hours with a cacophony of noise – we're talking fireworks, drums and chanting fans. This time around, security is stepping up to the plate to ensure England get a chance to rest on their laurels, not be kept awake by a rambunctious reception.
Off the pitch, it's all change for Bobby Moore's iconic World Cup jersey. His family has launched a High Court battle to get the shirt back – and it's a case that promises to spark some serious controversy. The red jersey Moore wore during England's 1966 triumph is now at the centre of a heated dispute between his former wife, Tina, and a businessman she believes either has the shirt or can help her recover it. He denies all involvement.
But back in Blighty, politics is taking centre stage – and it's an explosive mix of speculation and power plays. Who Andy Burnham will appoint as Chancellor is still anyone's guess, with some senior officials from across the pond weighing in on the debate. It seems Ed Miliband might be a no-go area for Trump administration insiders, who are keen to see him kept out of the top job. Meanwhile, Labour MPs are firing up their engines – advocating for a wealth tax that would shift the burden onto homeowners in the South.