The England squad have been forced to delay their travel to Mexico City at the last moment amid an urgent security probe by the FA.
Following the Three Lions' 2-1 victory over DR Congo on Wednesday, Thomas Tuchel's men returned to their Kansas City base instead of heading to the Mexican capital ahead of their crunch last-16 clash.
One reason as to why the squad haven't travelled is said to be concerns over their Latin American opponents spying on their training sessions.
The England boss is "adamant" that his blueprint for the mouthwatering match-up will not be leaked before kick off, according to the Mail.
The squad is expected to touch down in Mexico City on Friday - just two days before the high-altitude fixture at the world-famous Estadio Azteca.
The stadium sits 7,220 feet above sea-level, an environment which will see the air thinner and less oxygen taken into the players' bloodstream with each breath.
There are also concerns over the antics of unruly locals - who caused havoc for the Ecuadorian national team earlier this week.
Scores of Mexico fans descended onto the streets outside their hotel in Santa Fe on the night before the last-32 clash, basting horns and blaring music from loudspeakers in a bid to give their South American opponents a sleepless night.
Ecuador's football federation was left incensed by the behaviour, lodging a complaint to Fifa shortly after their 2-0 defeat to Mexico on Monday evening.
"This conduct is far removed from the principles of fair play, equality and unity that a football World Cup should represent," they said in a statement.
The FA is said to be aware of a similar risk facing the England squad ahead of the weekend.
However, the association is believed to be confident that it has sufficient security arrangements in place to protect the players from severe disruption.
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While the Ecuadorian team stayed at the Westin Hotel in Mexico City, England are determined to keep the location of their lodgings under wraps.
However, there are still fears that it will eventually be spread across social media.
To prepare for similar scenes endured by the Ecuadorian players, the England squad will be offered natural sleep remedies and white noise audio machines to avoid their sleep being disturbed.
Following the victory on Wednesday, Tuchel said: "We will expect that (noise outside the hotel).
"But what can we do? We will bring earplugs. I expect everything."
England's fixture against Mexico is on track to be the most expensive World Cup knockout tie in the history of the competition.
Third-party resellers have pounced on desperation from locals and hopeful England supporters to attend, with some tickets being listed on sale for up to £27,000.
Ahead of the clash, Tuchel said: “It is maybe one of the most beautiful fixtures, most exciting fixtures that you can have against Mexico in the Azteca.
"And there will be a lot of obstacles waiting for us.
“Not to mention the altitude will be a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it. And in four days, it’s just impossible.
"More obstacles may come, but we are ready for that."
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